V 


^^ 


SSSHTpSJ^ 


^^ 


I*     JAN  24  1906      *^ 


Division      dX95<o7 
bection       .  R  4-  ^1  fe 


REV.    B.     BAUSMAN,    D.    D. 


HISTORY 


REFORMED  CHURCH 


/ 

BY  DANIEL  MILLER. 


ILLUSTRATED. 


IXTRODUCTIOX    BY    ReV.    B.    BaUSMAX,    D,   D. 


Reading,  Pa.  : 

DANIEL  MILLER,  PRINTER  AND  PUBLISHER. 

lyos. 


Copyright,    1905, 
By  Daniel  Miller. 


PREFACE, 


The  history  of  the  Reformed  Church  iu  the  city  of 
Reading  has  been  a  favorite  study  with  the  author  for 
st'veral  years.  It  has  beeu  his  aim  to  present  this  history 
in  an  authentic  form,  and  in  this  effort  he  has  spared  nei- 
ther time  nor  money  to  produce  a  reliable  and  satisfactory 
volume.  Heretofore  a  good  deal  of  the  Church's  local 
history  was  based  upon  mere  tradition,  and  iu  this  way 
many  errors  were  accepted  as  historical  facts.  AVe  have 
endeavored  to  authenticate  all  data,  so  as  to  present  a  reli- 
al)le  history.  Tliis  required  a  great  deal  of  research,  but 
it  was  interesting  employment,  and  the  author  feels  re- 
garded for  all  the  time  expended  in  the  preparation  of 
the  book. 

The  author  is  under  obligations  to  Prof.  W.  J.  Hinke 
for  valuable  assistance,  especially  iu  reference  to  the  early 
period  of  the  history  of  the  First  Reformed  congregation 
in  Reading ;  to  B.  Y.  Shearer,  esq.,  and  John  H.  Briden- 
baugh,  esq.,  for  assistauc  ■  in  examining  the  county  rec- 
ords, and  to  the  local  pastors  in  a  general  way.  The  min- 
utes of  the  Coetus,  published  several  years  ago,  gave  us 
valuable  assistance  in  determining  many  problems  in  ref- 
erence to  the  early  ]>astors  of  the  First  church.  The  rec- 
ords of  the  First  church,  placed  at  our  disposal  by  the 
consistory,  have  also  beeu  very  helpful. 

The  present  volume  is  the  first  effort  of  its  kind.  AVe 
have  sought  to  present  an  accurate  and  fairly  comj^lete 
history  of  all  the  Reformed  congregations  in  Reading. 
To  publish  a  complete  history  would  have  beeu  far  be- 
yond the  bounds  of  one  volume.  As  it  is,  the  book  is 
considerably  larger  than  it  was  originally  intended  to  be. 

We  hope  the  reader  may  find  as  much  pleasure  iu  pe- 
rusing the  book  as  the  writer  enjoyed  in  ]>repariug  it. 

The  Author. 


IXTRODUCTIOX, 


"  The  theme  of  the  Bible  is  the  entrance  of  God  into 
the  spiritual  life  of  man."  History,  from  Moses  to  Mot- 
ley, is  the  biography  of  men  and  women.  Christian 
history  is  theology  teaching  by  example.  Thereby  the 
tree  can  be  known  by  its  fruit.  This  volume  discusses 
and  deals  with  the  lives  of  many  people.  But  few  of 
these  can  be  named  by  the  author.  The  few  sturdy  pio- 
neers of  Colonial  times,  and  some  of  the  more  active  \vork- 
ers  in  the  busy  field  described,  receive  historic  mention, 
but  the  thousands  of  men,  women  and  children,  who  as 
founders  of  families  and  of  godly  homes  ;  parents  who 
taught  and  trained  their  offspring  to  walk  in  the  ways  of 
the  Lord  ;  children  who  obeyed  God  and  their  parents  ; 
people  who  in  church  and  Sunday  school,  and  in  the  com- 
mon callings  of  everyday  life,  wrought  much  and  well  for 
human  well-being  and  the  glory  of  God — all  these  in 
humbler  but  no  less  important  spheres,  in  their  own  way 
lived  a  life  of  faith,  but  their  names  remain  unrecorded  in 
these  pages.  All  honor  and  praise  to  this  unnamed  great 
and  goodly  company  of  godly  lives.  In  the  annals  of 
eternal  glory,  where  the  secrets  of  all  lives  shall  be  re- 
vealed in  their  true  light,  these,  too,  shall  receive  their 
reward  with  a  lustre  that  shall  "  shine  brighter  and 
brighter  to  the  perfect  day." 

Two  hundred  years  ago  a  small  group  of  German  im- 
migrants wandered  to  the  eastern  bank  of  the  Schuylkill 


INTRODUCTION.  V 

river,  at  the  foot  of  the  Neversiuk  mountain.  Here  in 
the  wild  forests,  haunted  by  wild  beasts  and  roving  tribes 
of  Indians,  they  erected  a  few  scattered  log  huts,  in  which 
they  sought  to  found  a  home-life  under  their  own  roof- 
tree.  E'er  long  the  little  settlement  grew  into  a  hamlet, 
then  into  a  village,  a  borough  and  into  the  present  city  of 
Reading.  The  domestic  and  social  life  of  the  typical  Ger- 
man is  inseparable  from  the  church  and  the  school  house. 
With  their  own  hands  they  felled  trees  in  the  forest  and 
built  a  log  church  and  school  house  side  by  side,  in  juxta- 
position, as  they  were  wont  to  have  them  in  the  father- 
land. They  had  been  taught  that  in  the  order  of  God's 
providence  knowledge,  indeed  all  science,  was  a  handmaid 
to  religion.  These  were  inseparable,  and  "  what  God 
hath  joined  together,  let  not  man  put  asunder."  Here, 
with  the  Bible,  hymn  book  and  catechism  brought  from 
across  the  sea,  they  worshiped  God  according  to  the  cus- 
tom of  their  fathers. 

As  with  the  Puritans  of  New  England  and  the  early 
colonists  of  Virginia,  these  Germans  brought  their  theol- 
ogy, cultus  and  forms  of  worship  with  them  from  Eu- 
rope. They  believed  and  taught  the  truth  as  they  un- 
derstood it.  Seated  on  their  rude,  backless  benches, 
and  kneeling  before  their  unadorned  altars,  they  sought 
and  received  the  saving  grace  of  the  gospel,  the  same  as 
in  the  more  substantial  sanctuaries  of  the  homeland. 
During  the  lapse  of  time  conditions  have  changed,  but 
the  typical  spirit  and  unction  remain.  The  old-time  rev- 
erence for  sacred  ceremonies  and  places,  for  the  house  of 
God,  for  sacraments,  sermons  and  song — all  this  is  an 
essential  characteristic  of  the  Reformed  Church,   in   what- 


VI  INTRODUrnOX. 

ever  tongue  her  people  may  worship  God.  All  these  are 
still  aglow  with  the  reverent  spirit  and  the  deep  devotion 
of  those  of  the  early  founders.  The  stream  and  the  foun- 
tain, the  fruit  and  the  tree  still  partake  of  the  same  quali- 
ties. Now  as  then  religious  instruetion  is  emphasized. 
The  evolution  of  the  log  school  house  into  our  modern 
well  ecjuipped  Sunday  school  is  an  interesting  subject  for 
the  student  of  modern  Cluirch  his'ory. 

The  author  of  this  book  has  spent  much  time  and  la- 
bor in  the  unearthing  of  some  of  his  material.  He  ex- 
plored family  and  church  records,  and  county  archives  ; 
patiently  plodded  through  old  files  of  newspapers,  and  here 
and  there  interviewed  a  solitary  survivor  of  past  genera- 
tions ;  sifted  and  verified  traditions  of  "  old  and  half  for- 
gotten lore."  In  his  own  way  he  has  arranged  the  fruit 
of  his  labors  in  a  readable  form.  This  work  is  not  only 
a  History  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  Reading,  but  a  part 
of  the  History  of  Reading  as  well.  Both  began  together, 
not  only  on  parallel  lines,  but  the  Church  has  lived  its 
best  life  into  that  of  the  municipality  ;  tluis  helping  to 
mold  the  civic  and  moral  life  of  its  community. 

The  critical  reader  may  detect  imperfections  in  this 
book,  as  in  all  kindred  works,  whilst  sincere  and  apprecia- 
tive readers  will  peruse  it  with  pleasure  and  profit. 

May  this  volume  serve  as  a  fitting  memorial  to  the 
saints  whose  lives  herein,  tho'  dead,  still  speak ;  may  it 
serve  as  an  inspiration  to  those  who  hereafter  shall  help 
to  make  history  ;  may  it  glorify  the  holy  name  of  Him 
whose  indwelling  life  it  seeks  to  portray, 

Reading,  Pa.  B,  Baus^ian. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


SECTION  L— 

FIRST  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

Chapter  1- 

-The 

Beginning, 

Page 
9 

Chapter  2- 

-Parochial  School, 

21 

Chapter  3- 

-Chu 

rches, 

36 

Cbapter  4- 

-Period  -of  Supplies,  1 755 — 1 765  : 

55 

1. 

Rev.  W.  H.  Stoy,      .     .     . 

55 

2. 

Rev.  John  Waldschmid, 

60 

3. 

Rev.  William  Otterbein, 

64 

4. 

Period  of  Waiting,     .     .     . 

67 

Chapter  5- 

-Settled  Pastors,  1765—1905  :     . 

72 

1. 

Rev.  Fred,  J.  Berger,     .     , 

72 

2. 

Rev.  John  C.  Bucher,     .     . 

76 

3. 

Rev.  John  W.  Boos,       .     . 

77 

4. 

Rev.  J.  W.  G.  Neveling,     . 

81 

5. 

Rev.  Beruhard  F.  Willy,    . 

84 

6. 

Rev.  John  W.  Ingold,    .     . 

86 

7. 

Rev.  John  V/   Boos,       .     . 

90 

8. 

Rev.  Philip  Pauli,      .     .     . 

92 

9. 

Rev.  William  Pauli,       .     . 

99 

10. 

Rev.  John  C.  Bucher,  D.  D., 

106 

11. 

Rev.  A.  S.  Leinbach,  D.  D., 

122 

12. 

Rev.  B.  Bausman,  D.  D.,    . 

133 

13. 

Rev.  Henry  Mosser,  D.  D., 

149 

14. 

Rev.  John  F.  Moyer,      .     . 

166 

Chapter  6- 

-During  the  Revolution,      .     .     . 

169 

Chapter  7- 

-Sunday  School, 

180 

VI I  r  TAHLE    OF   CONTENTS. 

Page 

Cliapter  8 — Language, 187 

Chapter  9 — Miscellaneous,      ...•.,.   192 

Section  II. — Second  Reformed  C'hurch, 221 

Section  III. — St.  John's  Reformed  Church,  .  .  .  274 
Section  IV.— St.  Paul's  :Mera.  Reformed  Church,      .  29.3 

Section  Y. — Ziou's  Reformed  Church, 338 

Section  VI. — St.  Stephen's  Reformed  Church,  .  .  351 
Section  VII.— St.  Thomas'  Reformed  Church,  .  .  370 
Section  VIII.— Olivet  Reformed  Church,  ....  378 
Section  IX. — Calvary  Reformed  Church,  ....  388 
Section  X. — St.  Andrew's  Reformed  Church,  .  .  .  400 
Section  XI. — St.  Mark's  Reformed  Church,  .  .  .  414 
Section  XII.— Faith  Reformed  Church,  .  .  .  .429 
Section  XIII. — St.  James'  Reformed  Church,  .  .  440 
Section  XIV. — Trinity  Reformed  Church,  .  .  .  444 
Section  XV. — Alsace  Union  Church, 450 

Appendix. 

Christ  Reformed  Church, 457 

Mission  Sunday  Schools, 4()1 

.Addenda  to  History  of  Second  Reformed  Church,      .  463 

Reformed  Ministers  in  Reading:, 465 

Memhership  of  Reformed  Churches  in  Reading,   .     .  467 

Reformed  Ministerial  Association, 468 

Sunday  School  Superintendents'  Association,    .     .     .  468 

Krrata, 468 


Historf  of  llie  Refomefl  Gliircli  li  Rfiafli. 


SECTION  I. 

FIRST  EEFORMED  CHURCH. 


CHAPTER  I. 
THE  BEGINNING. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  exact  date  of  the  organi- 
zation of  the  Reformed  Church  of  Reading  is  not  known. 
The  same  is  the  case  with  many  of  the  earlier  churches. 
This  fact  may  be  explained  by  the  newness  of  the  country 
and  the  small ness  of  the  population.  The  people  were 
long  without  settled  pastors,  and  there  was  a  lack  of  sys- 
tem in  religious  matters.  Some  of  the  earliest  congrega- 
tions were  imperfectly  organized,  and  at  first  no  records 
were  kept.  Public  services  were  held  whenever  itinerant 
preachers  came  along. 

The  parishes  of  most  of  the  early  preachers  extended 
over  wide  territories,  and  in  the  absence  of  all  modern 
conveniences  of  travel  their  work  was  arduous  and  neces- 
sarily imperfect.  The  people  for  a  long  time  had  no  reg- 
ular pastoral  leaders.  They  felt  the  need  of  religious 
2 


10  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

worship,  aud  as  soon  as  possible,  after  having  founded 
homes  and  built  rude  log  houses,  they  proceeded  to  erect 
small  loer  churches  and  later  also  school  houses,  in  which 
they  might  worship  God  and  have  their  children  receive 
religious  and  secular  instruction. 

In  order  to  appreciate  matters  properly,  we  must  go 
back  aud  look  at  the  condition  of  things  as  they  existed 
when  the  foundations  were  laid  for  the  Reformed  Church 
in  Reading.  The  country  was  still  under  the  government 
of  England.  The  Reformed  people  who  had  founded 
homes  here  had  come  from  Germany,  which  they  had 
left  to  better  their  condition.  They  were  poor.  The 
region  where  they  located  was  mostly  unimproved  and 
sparsely  settled.  The  nearest  town  was  Lancaster,  35 
miles  to  the  southwest,  laid  out  in  17.">0.  Philadelphia 
was  the  county  seat  for  all  the  citizens  residing  east  of  the 
Schuylkill  river.  Soon  after  the  Reformed  Church  had 
been  founded,  the  savage  Indians  were  carrying  on  their 
murderous  work  during  the  French  and  Indian  AVar. 
The  people  suffered  much  from  the  Indians,  who  used  the 
tomahawk,  the  scalping  knife  and  the  torch  freely. 

The  first  Reformed  and  Lutheran  congregation  in  this 
region  was  the  Alsace  church,  which  is  located  at  the 
present  northern  boundary  of  the  city  of  Reading.  This 
is  the  oldest  church  site  in  this  region.  The  exact  date  of 
organization  is  unknown,  but  it  is  generally  believed  to 
have  been  about  the  year  1740.  At  that  time  there  was 
no  Reading.  There  was  then  only  a  single  house  in  the 
area  now  embraced  in  the  city.  It  is  remarkable  that 
after  the  city  had  been  laid  out  and  a  Reformed  church 
established  in  it,  the  people  who  founded   Alsace  church 


FIRST   CHURCH.  11 

continued  to  worship  there,  and  the  congrrgatton  contin- 
ued its  existence  to  the  present  day  with  a  large  member- 
ship. 

Reading  was  laid  out  in  the  fall  of  1748.  The  place 
was  named  after  Reading  in  Berkshire,  England,  the 
native  place  of  the  Penns.  The  land  upon  which  the  city 
is  located  had  belonged  to  William  Penu.  He  received 
it  by  a  grant  from  Charles.  II.,  king  of  England,  and  he 
also  purchased  the  interest  of  the  Indians  in  the  land. 
After  his  death  the  property  passed  into  the  possession  of 
his  two  sons,  Thomas  and  Richard  Penn.  The  town  was 
located  at  the  ford  of  the  Schuylkill,  which  was  the  great 
highway  from  the  Tulpehocken  settlement  under  Conrad 
AVeiser  to  Philadelphia. 

The  religious  history  of  Reading  begins  with  the  his- 
tory of  the  town  itself.  Hardly  had  Reading  been  laid 
out  by  the  agents  of  Richard  and  Thomas  Penn  in  the 
year  1748,  when  the  iirst  congregations  were  founded 
almost  simultaneously  with  the  founding  of  the  town 
itself.  The  (Quakers  were  the  first  in  the  field  to  estab- 
lish a  congregation.  They  organized  a  congregation  and 
erected  a  small  meeting  house  in  1751,  but  its  location  is 
now  unknown.  The  Quakers  were  closely  followed  by 
the  Lutherans,  and  they  in  turn  by  the  Reformed.  There 
was  a  Lutheran  organization  as  early  as  1751,  when,  ac- 
cording to  the  testimony  of  Rev.  Michael  Schlatter,  liead- 
ing  had  only  sixty  houses.  In  the  spring  of  1752  forty- 
nine  Lutheran  families  united  in  erecting  the  first  Luth- 
eran log  church,  which  was  dedicated  on  Trinity  Sunday 
of  the  following  year,  June  17,  1753,  and  in  consequence 
was  called  Trinity  Lutheran  church. 


12  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

The  first  reference  to  a  Reformed  congregation  is  in 
the  year  1753.  It  is  a  strange  fact  that  the  Lutheran 
records  have  preserved  the  first  historical  reference  to  our 
Reformed  congregation.  A  few  years  ago  Prof.  W.  J. 
Hinke  carefully  examined  these  records.  His  search  was 
rewarded  by  a  number  of  interesting  references  to  our 
Church,  which  had  thus  far  escaped  the  notice  of  histor- 
ians. In  the  oldest  Lutheran  church  record  is  found  the 
first  Reformed  baptism  in  Reading.  On  Feb.  6,  1753, 
Rev.  Philip  Jacob  Michael,  a  Reformed  minister,  baj)- 
tized  Anna  Catharine,  daughter  of  John  George  Engels- 
hardt  and  his  wife  Margaret.  The  above  mentioned  bap- 
tism, performed  by  Rev.  Mr.  Michael,  is  not  his  only  one 
which  is  found  in  the  Lutheran  baptismal  record.  In  the 
following  year  four  other  baptisms  are  recorded  as  having 
been  performed  by  him.  One  of  them  is  remarkable  be- 
cause it  is  a  baptism  of  the  daughter  of  Rev.  Tobias  Wag- 
ner, the  first  Lutheran  minister  of  Reading.  The  last 
baptism  was  performed  by  Rev.  Mr.  Michael  in  Reading 
on  Nov.  10,  1754.  The  record  says  that  the  baptism 
took  place  "  in  the  house."  This  has  been  understood  by 
some  to  mean  in  the  house  of  Rev.  Mr.  Michael,  which 
would  lead  to  the  further  inference  that  he  lived  at  that 
time  in  Reading,  But  tiic  jihrase  may  mean  with  even 
more  probability  the  house  of  the  child's  parents.  Tiiis 
is  mentioned  because  it  was  the  custom  at  that  time  to 
baptize  all  children  in  the  church.  If  sick  and  baptized 
at  home,  the  children  had  to  be  presented  in  the  church 
later  on. 

This  Rev.  Mr.  Michael  appears  to  have  been  the  first 
minister  to  labor  among  the  Reformed  people  of  Reading, 


FIRST   CHURCH.  13 

and  he  is  therefore  an  interesting  character.  Until  recent 
years  he  had  been  overlooked  by  historians,  and  the  credit 
for  bringing  him  to  the  front  belongs  to  Prof.  W.  J. 
Hinke.  This  gentleman  gives  us  the  following  interest- 
ing biographical  sketch  of  him  : 

"  It  is  difficult  to  gather  the  facts  of  Rev.  Philip  Jacob 
Michael's  life,  as  he  was  never  connected  with  the  Re- 
formed Coetus.  However,  by  putting  together  the  scat- 
tered references  made  to  him  in  the  diiferent  church  rec- 
ords and  other  documents,  a  tolerably  complete  sketch  of 
his  life  can  be  given.  He  was  born  in  the  year  1716,  but 
the  place  where  and  the  time  when  he  came  to  this  coun- 
try have  thus  far  remained  unknown.  He  was  a  weaver 
by  profession.  He  took  the  oath  of  allegiance  at  Phila- 
delphia on  Oct.  14,  1731.  When  a  young  man  of  some 
twenty  years  he  began  to  read  sermons,  and  in  course  of 
time  he  assumed  all  the  privileges  and  duties  of  a  minis- 
ter. He  was  one  of  a  numerous  class  of  men  who  at  that 
time  infested  Pennsylvania.  "Without  education,  call  or 
ordination  these  men  assumed  the  office  of  ministers, 
creating  troubles  and  quarrels  wherever  they  went  by 
their  shameful  lives  and  unchristian  conduct.  Thus  they 
prevented  for  a  long  time  the  spread  of  the  Coetus  and 
the  introduction  of  order  and  regular  worship,  conducted 
by  properly  ordained  ministers.  Philip  Jacob  Michael, 
however,  was  one  of  the  best  of  these  irregular  ministers. 
He  was  an  exception  to  the  rule  in  that  his  life  was  irre- 
proachable. 

"  He  first  appears  in  the  year  1744,  when  he  dedicated 
the  first  church  of  the  Heidelberg  congregation  in  I^ehigh 
county.     In  1750  he   began   his    ministry    in   the  Ziegel 


14  HrSTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

church.  In  1752  he  was  called  to  the  Longswamp 
church,  aud  wlieu  he  left  there  in  the  following  year  he 
seems  to  have  come  to  Reading.  Shortly  before  this  time, 
in  1752,  he  met  Kev.  Michael  Schlatter,  aud  asked  him 
to  admit  him  as  a  member  of  the  Coetus.  Mr.  Schlatter, 
however,  refused  to  grant  his  request,  and  hence  he  re- 
mained independent  to  the  eud  of  his  life.  The  number 
of  his  congregations  gradually  increased,  till  in  1764  he 
was  serving  twelve  congregations,  scattered  all  over  Berks 
aud  Lehigh  counties.  In  this  year  (1704)  he  renewed  his 
efforts  to  enter  the  Coetus.  On  JNIay  3,  1764,  he  appeared 
at  the  Coetus  meeting  in  Philadelphia,  presenting  good 
testimonials  from  his  congregations  aud  asking  to  be  re- 
ceived as  a  member.  The  attitude  of  the  Coetus  was  very 
favorable  towards  him,  as  is  evident  from  their  report  to 
Holland.     Speaking  of  Rev.  Mr.  Michael,  they  say  : 

"  '  We  are  acquainted  with  his  congregations,  and  know 
what  he  has  doue  by  his  indefatigable  labors.  He  is  still 
serving  twelve  congregations  with  the  greatest  zeal,  being 
48  years  of  age.  We  cannot  refuse  tliis  earnest  request 
and  petition.  But  since  he  has  not  yet  been  ordained  ac- 
cording to  the  order  of  our  Church,  we  request  the  honor- 
able svnods  herewith  to  grant  us  the  necessary  permission 
and  authority,  in  order  that  we  may  ordain  him.  Several 
among  us  have  heard  him  preach,  and  we  know  that  his 
service  agrees  in  everything  with  the  custom  of  the  Re- 
formed Church.  We,  therefore,  expect  that  our  request 
will  not  be  in  vain,  in  order  that  we  may  be  strengthened 
by  his  service,  and  that  ])roper  order  may  be  introduced 
in  his  congregations.  \\V'  siiould  not  make  a  stroke  with 
our  ])en,  if  we  were  not  convinced  tiiat  it  would  be  to  our 
advantage  and  contribute  to  the  increase  of  our  strength.' 

"In  spite  of  this  earnest  and  strong  plea  the  fathers 
refused  to  give  their  permission  for  his  ordination  and  re- 


FIRST   CHURCH.  15 

ception  into  the  Coetiis.  Mr.  Michael  coDtinucd,  there- 
fore, in  his  iudepeDdent  position.  When  the  War  of  the 
Revolution  broke  out,  he  resigned  his  charge  in  1774  and 
entered  the  army.  On  May  17^1777,  he  was  appointed 
chaplain  of  the  first  battalion  of  the  Berks  county  militia. 
After  the  war  he  again  entered  upon  his  duties  as  pastor 
in  some  of  his  former  congregations,  as  for  instance  in 
Longswamp,  M'here  he  died  in  1785. 

"  Many  Reformed  congregations  were  founded  and 
organized  by  Mr.  Michael,  especially  in  Lehigh  county. 
The  following  are  some  of  them  :  Heidelberg  church  in 
1744,  Ziegel  church  in  1750,  in  the  same  year  Jacob's 
church  in  Lynn  township,  Ebenezer  church  in  1760, 
Weisenburg  church  in  1761,  and  Lowhill  in  1769.  All 
this  shows  that  the  Reformed  Church  owes  a  debt  of  grat- 
itude to  Rev.  Michael  for  his  noble  and  unselfish  work  of 
forty  years,  and  although  he  was  no  member  of  the  Coetus, 
yet  he  is  worthy  to  stand  by  the  side  of  the  founders  of 
our  Church  as  a  faithful  servant  of  the  Lord." 

The  question  naturally  arises,  why  were  the  above  bap- 
tisms by  one  who  was  recognized  as  a  Reformed  minister 
recorded  in  the  Lutheran  church  record  ?  Was  it  because 
the  Reformed  were  worshiping  in  the  Lutheran  church, 
having  as  yet  not  been  organized  into  a  separate  congre- 
gation? Or  was  it  simply  because  the  Reformed  had  no 
church  records  themselves  ?  The  fact  that  the  Reformed 
secured  a  patent  for  two  lots  situated  at  the  corner  of 
Sixth  and  AVashington  streets,  on  the  20th  of  May,  1754, 
seems  to  show  that  they  were  organized,  for  the  patent 
was  issued  to  "  The  Religious  Society  of  Dutch  Reformed 
Calvinists."     But  they  had  as  yet  no  church.     The  small 


16  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

log  church  is  supposed  to  have  been  erected  in  175-5.  It 
certainly  was  not  in  existence  during  Mr.  Michael's  ser- 
vices. As  stated,  his  last  recorded  baptism  occurred  on 
Nov.  10,  1754,  six  months  after  the  purchase  of  the  lots. 
It  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  Mr.  Michael  not  only 
baptized  the  children  of  the  Reformed  people,  but  tliat  he 
also  preached  for  them.  Whether  this  was  done  in  pri- 
vate houses  or  in  the  Lutheran  church  cannot  at  this  late 
date  be  definitely  stated.  It  is  hardly  likely  that  any 
homes  were  sufficiently  large  to  be  used  for  ])reaehing 
purposes.  This  fact,  together  with  the  entry  of  Keformed 
baptisms  in  the  Lutheran  records,  strengthens  the  suppo- 
sition that  tlie  Reformed  congregation  worshiped  several 
years  in  the  Lutheran  church.  It  is  also  quite  reasonable 
to  suppose  that  the  Reformed  congregation  was  organized 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Micliael,  and  that  he  had  something  to  do 
with  the  purchase  of  the  lots  in  1754.  It  is  to  be  re- 
gretted that  his  life  record  is  so  incomplete. 

The  new  town  Reading  grew  pretty  rapidly.  As 
stated  before,  the  town  was  laid  out  in  1748.  Lots  were 
sold  upon  the  condition  that  ground  rent  be  paid  to  the 
proprietors,  Thomas  and  Richard  Penu,  beginning  March 
1,  1750,  and  that  houses  at  least  twenty  feet  square  in 
size,  with  brick  or  stone  chimneys,  be  erected  upon  them 
within  three  years.  In  1751  seven  lots  were  purchased 
and  in  1753  eighty-four.  The  proprietors  were  repre- 
sented by  three  commissioners :  Conrad  Weiser,  Francis 
Parvin  and  William  Hortley.  From  1751  to  1754  two 
hundred  and  forty-one  lots  were  sold.  The  plan  of  the 
town  included  520  lots,  and  these  were  large,  being  sixty 
feet  front.     The  rapidity  with  which  lots  were  sold  issur- 


FIRST   CHURCH.  17 

prising,  especially  in  view  of  the  fact  that  i)coplc  were 
admonished  not  to  purchase  lots  unless  they  were  in  a 
position  to  build  soon.  The  ground  rent  amounted  to 
seven  shillings  for  each  lot  per  yeai\  This  system  en- 
abled many  people  of  limited  means  to  put  chase  lots. 

On  May  20,  1754,  two  lots  of  ground,  each  60  by  230 
feet,  located  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Prince  and  Thomas 
streets,  now  Sixth  and  Washington  streets,  were  conveyed 
by  Thomas  Penn  and  liichard  Penn  to  the  "  Religious 
Society  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Calvinists."  The  lots 
were  numbered  421  and  424.  This  plot  of  ground  ex- 
tended 120  feet  from  Washington  street  northward  to  the 
southern  line  of  the  present  Record  property.  The  lots 
were  conveyed  on  the  above  date  to  Conrad  Weiser  and 
Isaac  Levan  as  trustees  for  the  Reformed  people.  These 
two  lots  were  on  March  5,  1759,  conveyed  by  deed  by 
Conrad  Weiser  and  Isaac  Levan,  trustees,  to  Francis  AVen- 
rich,  Wolfgang  Hagka,  George  Diehl  and  Jacob  Tick, 
trustees  and  elders,  for  the  "  Religious  Society  of  Dutch 
Reformed  Calvinists  in  Reading."  One  of  the  conditions 
was  that  said  elders  "'  permit  and  suffer  the  said  congre- 
gation to  erect  a  meeting  house  ....  on  the  said  lot  of 
ground." 

Conrad  Weiser  was  at  the  time  the  most  prominent 
and  useful  man  in  this  community.  He  was  the  well- 
known  mediator  between  the  colonial  government  and  the 
Indians,  and  enjoyed  the  full  confidence  of  both  parties. 
He  bad  resided  at  Tulpehocken,  about  fifteen  miles  west 
of  Reading,  before  the  founding  of  the  town.  As  stated 
before,  he  was  selected  by  the  Penns  as  one  of  three  com- 
missioners for  the   sale   of  town    lots.     He   became  the 


18  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

owner  of  a  lot  near  the  corner  of  what  is  now  Penn  and 
Fifth  streets,  where  in  the  early  history  of  the  town  he 
established  a  store.  Here  he  carried  on  a  trade  Avith  the 
Indians  as  well  as  with  the  white  people. 

Mr.  Weiser  was  a  public-spirited  and  liberal-minded 
man.  He  was  a  Lutheran,  but  was  liberal  towards  oth- 
ers. This  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  he  served  as  a  trustee 
for  both  the  Lutherans  and  the  Reformed.  Two  lots, 
Xos.  406  and  407,  on  the  northwestern  corner  of  Sixth 
and  \yashington  streets,  were  secured  for  the  Lutheran 
congregation,  which  appears  to  have  been  organized  in 
the  year  1751,  although  the  patent  for  the  lots  was  net 
issued  until  May  22,  1754,  two  days  after  the  date  of  the 
patent  for  the  Ileformed  people.  ISIr.  Weiser  resided  in 
Reading  during  the  latter  part  of  his  life.  He  died  at 
Tulpehocken  in  1760,  and  was  buried  there.  One  of  his 
lineal  descendants  was  the  well-known  Rev.  C.  Z.  AVeis- 
er,  D.  D.,  during  manyyears  the  popular  Reformed  pas- 
tor at  New  Goshenhoppen,  who  prepared  a  complete  biog- 
raphy of  Conrad  Weiser,  which  was  published  by  Daniel 
Miller. 

On  September  12,  1785,  John  Penn,  jr.,  and  John 
Penn  executed  a  deed  for  lot  No.  420,  sixty  feet  front  on 
North  Sixth  street,  immediately  to  the  north  of  lots  421 
and  424,  to  Kraft  Heiner  and  John  Hartman,  elders  of  the 
"  German  Reformed  congregation  in  the  Town  of  Read- 
ing." Subsequently  lot  No.  417,  sixty  feet  front,  imme- 
diately to  the  north  of  lot  420,  was  secured  by  the  Re- 
formed congregation  for  the  purpose  of  enlarging  their 
burying  ground.  These  last  two  lots  embraced  the  ground 
now  occupied   by   the  Record  property  and  St.   Paul's 


FIRST  CHURCH.  19 

Memorial  Reformed  church,  the  northern  boundary  being 
the  lot  now  occupied  by  the  Homoeopathic  Hospital. 
Thus  the  Reformed  property  already  in  1785  had  a  front 
of  240  feet  on  North  Sixth  street  and  a  depth  of  230  feet 
to  Reed  street.  The  greater  part  was  for  many  years 
occupied  as  a  burying  ground  and  the  site  of  the  First 
Reformed  church.  This  ground  is  now  occupied  by  the 
First  church  and  parsonage,  St.  Paul's  church  and  sex- 
ton's house,  and  seven  business  properties.  On  May  18, 
1824,  the  ground  rent  was  released  on  the  lots  420,  421 
and  424  by  the  then  living  heirs  of  the  proprietors  who 
had  conveyed  the  lots.  On  the  same  day  they  also  re- 
leased the  ground  rent  on  lots  100,  101  and  417. 

Of  the  prominent  buildings  erected  in  the  city  before 
the  Revolution  only  three  still  remain  :  Farmers'  Inn 
(now  Farmers'  Hotel)  at  Fifth  and  Washington  streets, 
erected  in  1760  by  Michael  Bright;  Federal  Inn  (now 
Farmers'  Bank),  erected  in  1763,  and  the  Old  Jail,  erected 
in  1770. 

The  earliest  record  of  the  First  church  was  commenced 
in  1755.  On  the  title  page  is  found  this  sentence: 
"  Kircheubuch  vor  die  Reformirte  Germeint  in  Reading- 
town."  The  first  entries  in  the  book  are  these  two  bap- 
tisms : 

"  April  22, 1755.  Johan  Valentin  Kerber  und  Catha- 
rine, sein  Ehweib,  lassen  taufen  eine  Tochter,  namens 
Maria  Christina,  geboren  den  15.  Feb.,  1755.  Gevattern 
(sponsors)  sind  Johan  Michael  Ryer  und  Maria  Christi- 
na, sein  AVeib." 

"Nov.  19,1775.  Julius  Korper  und  Catharine  las- 
sen  taufen  ein  Sohnlein  namens  Fallentin,  geboren  den  19. 


20  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

November,  1755.  Gevattern  sind  Johann  Fallendin  Kor- 
per  und  Catharine,  sein  Weib." 

These  are  the  only  baptisms  recorded  in  the  book.  It 
is  to  be  regretted  that  the  names  of  the  officiating  minis- 
ters are  not  given.  These  entries  M-ere  most  probably 
made  by  one  of  the  elders,  because  they  are  not  in  the 
handwriting  of  Rev.  Mr.  Stoy.  From  the  record  it  ap- 
pears that  the  Korper  child  was  baptized  on  the  day  of  its 
birth.  The  dates  are  plainly  written.  It  will  be  noticed 
that  the  family  names  of  the  parents  in  both  cases  are  the 
same,  but  they  are  spelled  differently — Kerber  and  Kor- 
per. The  given  name  Valentine  is  also  spelled  quite  dif- 
ferently in  both  records. 

After  these  two  baptismal  records  had  been  made,  the 
purpose  of  the  book,  which  is  bound  in  parchment,  was 
changed  to  that  of  an  account  book.  On  the  title  page 
this  additional  inscription  was  made  :  "  Rcchnungs  Buch 
der  Reformirte  Gemeinde  in  Reading  1755  an."  On  the 
following  page  is  given  an  account  of  money  paid  for 
communion  wine  from  October,  1756,  to  October,  1758. 
The  balance  of  the  book  is  devoted  to  accounts  of  the  con- 
gregation, all  the  way  down  to  the  year  1838. 


CHAPTER  II. 


PAROCHIAL  SCHOOL. 

The  early  settlers  of  Pennsylvania  felt  the  need  of 
schools  for  the  secular  and  religious  education  of  their 
children.  Public  schools,  such  as  we  have  them  now, 
there  were  of  course  none.  The  people  were,  as  a  rule,  of 
a  religious  character,  on  account  of  which  many  of  them 
had  been  driven  from  their  homes  in  the  Fatherland. 
They  were  mostly  poor,  and  the 
question  of  establishing  schools 
was  a  difficult  one.  In  1746 
Rev.  Michael  Schlatter  was  sent 
by  the  Reformed  Synod  of  Hol- 
land to  America  to  organize  the 
scattered  Reformed  people  into 
pastoral  charges  and  supply  them 
Avith  pastors.  He  visited  the  peo- 
ple in  various  sections  and  did 
much  for  them.  He  Mas  thor- 
oughly familiar  with  their  condi- 
tion.    In  1747  he  organized  the 

congregations  into  a  Coetus  (classis).  The  organization 
was  effected  with  four  ministers  and  twenty-seven  elders. 
From  1747  to  1751,  according  to  his  own  report,  he  trav- 
eled over  8000  miles,  mostly  on  horse-back,  in  all  kinds 
of  weather,  in  summer  and  winter,   in  the  service  of  the 


Rev.  Michael  Schlatter. 


22  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

poor  aud  scattered  people.  He  preached  for  them,  gave 
them  the  communiou,  baptized  their  children,  installed 
elders  and  deacons,  and  organized  the  forty-six  congre- 
gations, which  he  visited,  into  sixteen  charges. 

In  the  early  part  of  1751  the  Coetus  sent  Rev.  Mr. 
Schlatter  to  Europe  to  represent  the  destitute  condition  of 
the  Reformed  people  in  America  to  their  brethren  in  Hol- 
land and  other  countries,  and  to  secure  financial  aid,  as 
well  as  some  young  men  to  take  charge  of  the  vacant  con- 
gregations. In  this  undertaking  Mr.  Schlatter  was  emi- 
nently successful,  especially  in  Holland.  He  made  an 
appeal  for  aid,  which  resulted  in  large  collections.  The 
states  of  Holland  and  West  Friesland  gave  $8400  from 
1751  to  1762.  The  synods  had  a  fund  of  $2650  on 
hand,  which  was  used,  and  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  col- 
lected $7114.  Excluding  the  aid  from  the  states,  which 
was  given  in  yearly  sums  of  1000  to  2000  florins,  the 
money  actually  in  hand  for  the  support  of  the  Church  of 
Pennsylvania  was  $9764  in  1755.  To  this  sum  addi- 
tional contributions  were  made  from  time  to  time.  With 
this  money  the  churches  and  schools  in  America  were 
aided. 

Mr.  Schlatter  returned  to  America  in  1752,  land- 
ing at  New  York  on  August  8.  He  brought  with  him 
six  young  ministers,  named  Otterbein,  Stoy,  Waldschmid, 
Frankenfeld,  Wissler  and  Rubel.  In  consequence  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Schlatter's  mission  to  Holland,  Rev.  Mr. 
Thompson,  then  pastor  of  the  English  Reformed  congre- 
gation in  Amsterdam,  was  induced  to  proceed  to  England 
and  Scotland  to  solicit  aid  for  the  Pennsylvania  churches. 
Mr.  Thompson  entered  upon  his  mission  about  the    same 


FIRST   CHURCH.  23 

time  that  Mr.  Schlatter  returned  to  America.  He  speut 
a  whole  year  in  England  and  Scotlond,  presenting  the 
cause  of  the  destitute  Reformed  peo})le  in  America,  and 
appealing  to  the  liberality  of  the  English  people  to  alle- 
viate their  pitiable  condition.  Everywhere  he  met  with  a 
very  encouraging  and  even  enthusiastic  response.  The 
Church  of  Scotland  ordered  a  national  collection,  which 
yielded  $6000.  George  II.,  the  king  of  England,  gave 
$5000.  The  whole  amount  given  in  England  and  Scot- 
land was  about  $20,000.  The  people  of  England  took  a 
lively  interest  in  the  matter  because  the  destitute  people 
resided  in  a  colony  belonging  to  England. 

Before  leaving  England,  Rev.  Mr.  Thompson  en- 
trusted the  further  prosecution  of  the  work  to  a  number 
of  gentlemen,  who  formed  themselves  into  a  society  called 
"  The  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  Christian  Knowledge 
Among  the  Germans  in  Pennsylvania "  This  society 
consisted  of  fifteen  of  the  most  prominent  men  in  the 
kingdom,  with  the  Earl  of  Shaftesbury  as  their  president. 
They  finally  succeeded  in  raising  a  large  sum  of  money. 
Rev.  Mr.  Muhlenberg,  the  Lutheran  missionary,  states  in 
his  report  to  Halle  that  the  total  amounted  to  £20,000. 
This  is  an  error.  It  was  $20,000.  A  great  work  was 
thus  auspiciously  commenced. 

The  next  important  step  taken  by  the  society  was  the 
appointment  of  a  board  of  six  general  trustees  in  Penn- 
sylvania to  supervise  the  work.  These  trustees  were  the 
governor,  James  Hamilton,  William  Allen,  Richard  Pet- 
ers, Benjamin  Eranklin,  Conrad  Weiser  and  AVilliam 
Smith,  the  president  of  Pennsylvania  College,  who  was 
chosen  secretary  of  the  trustees.     The  work  of  the  society 


24  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

was  two-fold.  1.  To  give  support  and  pecuniary  assist- 
ance to  pious  Protestant  ministers.  2.  To  erect  and 
maintain  free  public  schools,  which  for  this  reason  were 
called  charity  schools.  In  order  to  carry  into  effect  these 
measures,  Rev.  Michael  Schlatter  was  elected  superinten- 
dent of  the  charity  schools  on  April  20,  1754.  Accord- 
ingly he  resigned  a^  minister  of  the  Reformed  Church 
and  commissioner  of  the  Holland  Synods  on  May  14, 
1754. 

The  general  trustees  in  Pennsylvania  began  their 
work  on  August  10  1754.  They  resolved  to  begin  the 
work  by  opening  six  schools  in  the  following  places — 
Reading,  York,  Easton,  Lancaster,  Hanover  and  Skip- 
pack.  It  was  found  necessary  to  appoint  local  trustees  in 
each  of  these  places,  "  to  visit  the  schools  and  superintend 
the  scheme  of  education."  And  finally  each  one  of  these 
places  was  asked  to  send  a  petition  to  the  general  trustees 
requesting  the  establishment  of  a  school  in  their  locality. 
Among  the  letters  received  was  one  from  Reading  dated 
December  10,  1754.  The  minutes  of  the  trustees  state 
that  this  letter  was  based  upon  a  former  petition  from 
Reading,  signed  "  by  the  ministers  and  chief  men  of  both 
the  Calvinist  and  Lutheran  persuations."  Prof.  llinke 
infers  from  this  fact  that  the  Reformed  minister  in  ques- 
tion was  Rev.  Mr.  Michael,  the  founder  of  the  congrega- 
tion. If  this  is  correct,  Mr.  Michael  may  also  be  re- 
garded as  the  leading  spirit  in  the  organization  of  the 
parochial  school.  The  local  trustees  appointed  for  Read- 
ing were  James  Read,  prothonotary  ;  Francis  Parvin,  es(|., 
English  (Quaker ;  James  Scely,  English  Presbyterian  ; 
Isaac  Levan,   Samuel    High,    Calvinists ;   Hans    Martin 


FIRST   CHURCH.  25 

Gerick,  Jacob  Levau,  Lutheraos,  and  Sebastian  Zimmer- 
man. 

By  the  spring  of  the  next  year  most  of  the  schools 
were  established.  Mr,  Schlatter  himself  came  to  Read- 
ing on  March  5,  1755,  and  opened  the  charity  school. 
But  the  scheme  which  seemed  to  be  so  full  of  promise  and 
advantage  for  the  Germans  soon  failed,  partly  because  the 
whole  scheme  was  based  upon  wrong  motives  and  partly 
because  of  the  prejudice  of  the  Germans.  In  appealing 
to  the  English  people  the  society  had  based  their  appeals 
on  statements  which  were  both  uncharitable  and  false, 
and  when  they  became  known  to  the  Germans  they 
aroused  at  once  their  indignation  at  and  opposition  to  the 
whole  scheme.  They  had  represented  the  Germans  as 
"  barbarous,  without  means  to  civilize  them,  grossly  igno- 
rant and  unprincipled,  without  instruction  to  enlighten 
them,  turbulent  and  factious,  and  few  or  none  to  discipline 
and  soften  them."  Again,  they  were  said  to  be  "  bold 
and  courageous,  but  withal  obstinate,  suspicious  and  liable 
to  quarreling  and  mutinies,  and  having  been  bred  of  slaves 
and  extremely  ignorant,  they  know  not  the  proper  use  of 
liberty,  and  therefore  too  frequently  abuse  it."  Again, 
the  people  in  England  feared  that  the  Germans  would 
make  common  cause  with  the  French  or  rebel  with  the 
Indians.  In  a  word,  the  Germans  were,  according  to  the 
opinion  of  the  English,  a  continual  menace  to  their  North 
American  colonies.  Tlic  charity  schools  were  consequent- 
ly only  a  means  to  gain  their  favor  and  good  will,  more 
of  a  political  measure  than  a  iuimauitarian  undertaking. 
\Yhen  these  unfavorable  views  of  the  P^nglish  became 
known  to  the  Germans,  they  at  once  rose  up  in  arms 
3 


26  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

against  the  whole  scheme.  Led  by  Christopher  Saur,  the 
well-known  German  printer  in  Germantown,  who  repeat- 
edly attacked  the  schools  in  his  German  paper,  they  re- 
fused to  have  anything  to  do  with  the  schools.  In  a  few 
years  the  whole  undertaking  had  to  be  given  up,  because 
it  met  with  such  determined  and  bitter  opposition  from 
the  Germans.  It  might  have  accomplished  good  results, 
if  the  English  had  not  mixed  so  much  folly  with  their 
liberality. 

The  Germans  not  only  rejected  the  school  system,  but 
they  also  condemned  Rev.  Mr.  Schlatter,  the  superinten- 
dent.    He  suffered  great  injustice. 

There  was  also  another  reason  for  the  opposition  of 
the  Germans,  and  that  was  the  English  tendency  of  the 
charity  schools.  They  were  jealous  of  their  language. 
This  jealousy  was  nurtured  by  Mr.  Saur.  He  was  a  Ger- 
man publisher,  and  the  introduction  of  English  schools 
was  against  his  interest.  There  is  no  doubt  that  this  was 
the  principal  motive  for  his  position  on  the  question.  The 
Keformed  Coetus  at  first  regarded  the  schools  with  favor, 
but  by  and  by  the  ministers  changed  their  views.  In  the 
report  of  Coetus  to  Holland  in  1755  complaint  was  made 
that  the  management  of  the  schools  by  trustees  had 
been  placed  principally  into  the  hands  of  Moravians, 
Quakers,  Separatists  and  others ;  that  in  Lancaster  the 
Reformed  had  been  entirely  passed  by.  The  Reformed 
ministers  had  made  complaint  to  Mr.  Smith,  the  secretary 
of  the  trustees  in  America,  that  the  schools  were  not  being 
conducted  according  to  the  wishes  of  the  fathers  in  Hol- 
land, when  they  received  the  reply  :  "  The  fathers  in  Hol- 
land have  nothing  to  do  with    the   schools."     This  dis- 


FIRST   CHURCH.  27 

pleased  the  Reformed  miuisters.  They  expressed  the 
opinion  that  "  the  only  object  of  these  schools  is  the  intro- 
duction of  the  English  language  among  the  Germans, 
which  is  purely  a  political  matter,"  and  that  the  Reformed 
people  could  expect  nothiug  from  them.  Again  in  their 
report  of  1756  the  members  of  the  Reformed  Coetus  say  : 
"  We  can  see  in  the  movement  nothing  but  a  political 
affair,  which  is  altogether  a  damage  to  our  schools." 

We  have  given  these  extended  details  in  order  to  ex- 
plain a  matter  which  has  been  much  misunderstood.  The 
Reformed  people  in  America  received  far  less  from  the 
monies  collected  in  Europe  than  is  generally  supposed. 
Little  was  receiv^ed  from  the  large  fund  collected  in  Eng- 
land for  the  reasons  stated  above.  The  people  here,  poor 
as  they  were,  would  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  charity 
school  scheme  under  the  aggravating  circumstances.  The 
first  payment  to  Coetus  from  the  charity  school  fund  was 
made  on  June  10,  1756,  viz.,  £80,  which  was  distributed 
among  the  miuisters  The  contribution  was  repeated 
three  times,  and  after  1759  it  ceased  altogether.  We  are 
unable  to  state  how  much  the  schools  received.  The 
financial  statement  of  the  English  society  for  the  year 
1758  has  been  preserved.  It  shows  that  during  that  year 
the  society  paid  £584,  Pennsylvania  currency,  for  the 
maintenance  of  its  work.  (See  article  on  M.  Schlatter  in 
The  Pennsylvania  German^  Vol.  I.,  No.  4,  p.  17.)  After 
the  discontinuance  of  the  English  support  of  the  schools 
in  America  the  small  balance  on  hand  was  given  to  the 
University  of  Pennsylvania  at  Philadelphia. 

Whilst  the  English  movement  was  a  failure,  the  ef- 
fort made  in  Holland  was  more  successful,  but  the  sup- 


28  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

port  from  this  source  was  also  much  less  than  is  usually 
supposed.  The  larger  part  came  from  the  government  of 
Holland.  Prof.  Hinke  calculates  that  the  Reformed  peo- 
ple in  America  received  altogether  S14,025  from  Holland. 
Besides  this  about  S4000  was  expended  in  sending  to  this 
country  thirty-seven  ministers.  Of  course  money  then 
had  a  much  greater  value  than  at  present.  In  1800  there 
was  invested  in  Holland  the  sum  of  $5880.  The  invest- 
ment was  in  bonds.  After  the  aid  to  America  was  dis- 
continued, these  bonds  were  sold  for  $2854,  and  the 
money  divided  among  the  synods,  which  had  contributed 
to  the  fund.  Whilst  the  charity  schools  (those  supported 
by  English  funds)  Avere  of  short  duration,  the  parochial 
schools  established  by  the  congregations  were  more  suc- 
cessful and  had  a  long  and  useful  existence.  As  already 
stated,  the  one  of  the  Reformed  people  in  Reading  was 
started  on  March  5,  1755,  by  Rev.  Michael  Schlatter. 
Whether  Rev.  Mr.  Michael,  the  founder  of  the  congrega- 
tion, assisted  in  the  formal  organization  of  the  school  can- 
not be  stated,  as  he  left  Reading  about  this  time. 

The  school  was  started  as  a  charity  school,  but  it 
hardly  deserves  that  name  on  account  of  the  insigniticant 
support  received.  The  records  show  that  the  schoolmas- 
ter received  <£3  from  the  Holland  fund  in  1 756  and  an 
equal  amount  in  1759.  There  is  no  evidence  at  hand  to 
show  further  support  from  abroad.  The  congregation 
evidently  assumed  the  support  of  the  school,  as  it  had 
assumed  its  management.  The  object  of  the  school  was 
the  instruction  of  the  children  in  secular  and  religious 
knowledge.  At  first  and  for  a  long  time  all  the  instruc- 
tion was  given  in  the  German  language.     All  the  church 


FIRST    CHURCH.  29 

services  were  of  course  also  conducted  in  Germau.  The 
principal  text  books  were  the  ABC  book,  the  Psalter,  the 
New  Testament  and  the  Heidelberg  Catechism.  No  text 
books  in  mathematics  were  used  in  most  of  the  schools. 
In  some  schools  the  teachers  gave  instruction  by  means  of 
the  blackboard  in  addition,  division  and  subtraction.  It 
was  considered  that  nothing  beyond  these  branches  was 
required  in  the  line  of  figures. 

The  early  settlers  in  Reading  and  vicinity  took  a 
lively  interest  in  the  education  of  their  children  by  means 
of  German  schools.  Rev.  Alexander  Murray,  in  a  letter 
from  Reading,  dated  April  9,  1763,  addressed  to  the  So- 
ciety for  Propagating  the  Gospel  in  Foreign  Parts  in 
England,  states  that  the  country  for  miles  around  this 
town  was  thickly  peopled,  but  nearly  all  were  German, 
and  they  were  blindly  attached  to  their  native  tongue,  so 
that  an  English  minister  could  be  of  little  service  to  them. 
They  sent  their  children  to  German  schools,  of  which 
there  were  plenty. 

We  cannot  state  positively  where  the  parochial  school 
was  started.  But  it  was  established  in  1755,  about  the 
time  of  the  erection  of  the  First  church.  It  was  probably 
conducted  in  the  little  log  church,  and  later  also  in  the 
larger  stone  church  erected  in  17(31,  until  the  erection  of 
the  one-story  brick  school  house  in  1776.  On  April  24, 
1776,  John  Penu,  jr.,  and  John  Penu  conveyed  lot  No. 
101  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Seventh  and  Washington 
streets,  60  feet  front,  to  Durst  Fister  and  William  Reeser, 
in  trust  for  a  school  house  of  the  Reformed  church,  upon 
the  condition  that  seven  shillings  be  paid  annually  as 
ground  rent  and  that  a  school  house  at  least  twenty  feet 


30 


HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 


square  with  a  brick  or  stone  chimney  be  erected  upon  the 
lot  within  three  years.  A  double  one-story  brick  school 
house  was  erected  in  the  same  year,  1776.  In  the  one 
part  the  parochial  school  was  Conducted,  whilst  the  other 
part  was  used  for  dwelling  purposes,  usually  by  the 
schoolmaster.  During  two  years,  from  1845  to  1847,  it 
was  occupied  by  Rev.  John  S.  Kessler,  the  assistant  pas- 
tor.    We  herewith  present  a  picture  of  the  school  house.  - 


f[g  rr  ^  ^ 


SCHOOL  HOUSE. 


It  was  erected  in  a  substantial  manner.  Here  the 
children  of  the  Reformed  people  were  instructed  during 
many  years.  We  cannot  state  with  precision  how  long 
the  parochial  school  was  continued,  but  probably  until 
some  time  after  1847.  In  this  year  Mrs.  Rebecca  Hantch, 
still  living,  came  to  Reading,  and  she  informs  us  that  the 
school  was  then  still  in  operation.  Mr.  John  Roland,  the 
last  teacher,  was  paid  his  regular  salary  of  $20  per  quar- 
ter as  teacher  until  Dec.  3,  1846,  after  which  he  was  paid 
$10  per  quarter  until  near  the  close  of  his  life  in  April, 
1849.     The  consistory  on  Nov.  22,  1847,  re?olvcd  to   sell 


FIRST   CHURCH.  31 

the  school  property,  but  this  was  done  only  on  April  5, 
1850,  to  George  Foos  for  .f  1006.  It  is  probable  that  as 
the  property  could  not  be  sold  at  once,  the  school  was 
continued  after  the  resolution  to  sell.  The  school  was  in 
operation  between  90  and  100  years.  In  the  course  of 
time  the  old  system  of  instruction  was  inadequate  to  the 
demands  of  the  times..  In  1834  the  public  school  system 
of  Pennsylvania  was  introduced,  and  the  citizens  of  Read- 
ing adopted  the  better  system  in  1836.  Rev.  William  A. 
Good,  father  of  Rev.  James  I.  Good,  D.  D.,  was  the  first 
county  superintendent  of  public  schools,  from  1854  to 
1860.  In  1850  the  school  house  was  sold  by  the  congre- 
gation. After  that  date  it  was  used  as  a  dwelling  until 
1892,  when  it  was  demolished  to  make  room  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a  large  cigar  factory. 

The  schoolmaster,  as  the  teacher  w^as  then  called,  was 
an  important  person  in  the  community.  He  was  the 
next  man  to  the  minister.  He  was  a  man  9f  good  moral 
character,  and  usually  served  as  organist  and  "  Vorsinger" 
in  the  church  in  addition  to  his  duties  as  teacher.  In 
some  places  the  teachers  also  conducted  the  church  services 
and  read  sermons  to  the  people  in  the  absence  of  minis- 
ters. The  early  teachers  in  the  Reading  school  were  for- 
eigners, and  they  were  men  of  good  education.  The  sal- 
ary was  naturally  low%  as  w^as  that  of  the  miuisters.  At 
first  the  number  of  pupils  w^as  small,  and  the  people  were 
in  limited  circumstances.  An  official  report  states  that  in 
the  fall  of  1760  the  Reading  school  was  attended  by  36 
boys.  During  the  winter  the  number  was  larger,  because 
during  the  summer  and  fall  some  of  the  boys  were  com- 
pelled to  work.  Some  little  aid  was  received  from  the 
money  collected  in  Europe,  as  stated  above. 


32  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

We  know  little  of  the  first  teachers  of  the  Reformed 
school.  They  were  foreigners.  The  first  one  of  whom 
we  have  a  record  was  Philip  Jacob  Fiisig.  Montgomery's 
history  says  of  him  :  "  His  name  has  been  traced  back  to 
1762.  In  the  year  1778  he  was  still  a  schoolmaster. 
His  school  was  situated  on  Seventh  street,  west  side,  a 
short  distance  above  Court  street."  This  was  the  Re- 
formed parochial  school.  How  long  after  1778  he  taught 
we  cannot  state. — The  next  schoolmaster  was  evidently 
John  Roland,  also  foreign  born.  Of  him  it  is  stated  that 
he  taught  fifty  years.  We  believe  this  statement,  for  he 
died  in  1849  at  tlie  age  of  nearly  83  years.  If  he  was  the 
successor  of  Mr.  Fasig  he  must  have  served  more  than 
fifty  years  as  teacher.  He  was  seventy  years  of  age  when 
Mr.  John  F.  Moers  (the  only  pupil  of  the  school  still 
residing  in  Reading  in  1905)  attended  the  school  in  1836. 
The  minutes  of  the  consistory  of  Feb.  7,  1809,  inform  us 
that  Mr.  Roland  was  re-employed  at  a  salary  of  £16, 
eight  cords  of  wood  and  the  use  of  the  lot  on  the  grave- 
yard. He  served  regularly  until  the  beginning  of  1816, 
when  Benjamin  Schneck  was  elected,  with  a  salary  of 
£30.  Mr.  Schneck  served  until  Feb.  16,  1821,  when 
John  Roland  was  once  more  elected  over  him.  Mr. 
Schneck  was  born  in  Nassau-Siegen,  Germany,  on  Dec.  25, 
1760.  After  coming  to  America  he  first  located  in  Phila- 
delphia, and  afterwards  removed  to  Reading.  He  was  a 
good  and  pious  man.  He  was  both  schoolmaster  and  or- 
ganist. He  also  served  as  organist  at  Sinking  Spring  and 
Belleman's  church.  For  a  time  he  served  as  organist  of 
the  Episcopal  church  in  Reading.  After  retiring  as  school 
teacher  in  1821,  Mr.  Schneck  purchased  a  property  about 


FIRST    CHURCH.  33 

a  mile  from  the  centre  of  the  town,  which  is  now  a  part 
of  the  city.  After  leaviug  the  Readiug  school  in  1821, 
Mr.  Schneck  taught  elsewhere  until  about  a  week  before 
his  death.  He  died  in  his  home  in  Reading  in  February, 
1827,  in  his  67th  year,  and  was  buried  in  the  graveyard 
of  the  Reformed  church.  He  was  married  to  Elizabeth 
Schroeder  on  April  1,  1765.  Mr.  Schneck  had  been  edu- 
cated for  the  ministry,  but  a  throat  affection  prevented 
him  from  entering  this  profession,  and  he  chose  teaching 
as  a  profession.  Mrs.  Sarah  J.  Keller,  of  Boalsburg,  Pa., 
is  a  granddaughter  of  schoolmaster  Schneck.  Mr.  Schneck 
was  the  father  of  Rev.  Benjamin  S.  Schneck,  D.  D.,  a 
well-known  minister  of  the  Reformed  Church.  It  has 
sometimes  been  stated  that  Dr.  Schneck  had  also  been 
teacher  of  the  school,  but  this  is  an  error.  Dr.  Schneck 
was  born  on  March  14,  1806,  so  that  at  the  time  of  the 
election  of  the  Benjamin  Sehueck  named,  he  was  only  ten 
years  of  age. 

Mr.  John  Roland  continued  as  school  teacher  until 
near  his  death  in  1849.  From  the  time  of  his  election 
over  Schneck  in  1821  until  1828  he  was  paid  §80  per 
year.  He  resided  free  of  rent  in  the  school  house.  After 
the  latter  date  he  was  paid  $70  per  year  and  $24  for  tire 
wood.  In  1839  the  salary  was  again  increased  to  §80 
and  §24  for  fire  wood.  Mr.  John  F.  Mars,  now  over 
eighty  years  of  age,  the  only  person  still  residing  in  Read- 
ing who  attended  the  church  school,  gives  us  an  interest- 
ing description  of  the  school.  The  school  used  German 
primers,  catechisms  and  New  Testaments.  In  1836  there 
were  some  twenty-five  scholars  of  both  sexes.  Learning 
the  catechism  was  a  prominent  part  of  school  work.     Re- 


34  HISTORY    OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

formed  catechisms  were  printed  in  Reading  at  an  early 
date.  John  Ritter  printed  editions  in  1811,  1819,  1822, 
1823  and  1826.  Other  editions  were  printed  by  H.  B. 
Sage  in  1816  and  1821.  The  schoolmaster  was  really 
the  catechist  of  the  congregation.  He  instructed  the 
children,  and  had  them  commit  the  catechism  to  memory. 
The  pastor  visited  the  school  once  a  week  to  see  what 
progress  the  children  were  making  in  the  catechism. 
When  they  had  learned  the  catechism  sufficiently,  they 
were  confirmed  by  the  pastor.  This  shows  the  great  im- 
portance of  the  schoolmaster's  position  in  those  days. 

Mr.  Roland  was  also  organist  and  "  Vorsinger,"  that 
is,  leader  of  singing  at  the  church  service.  For  some  time 
he  had  an  unpleasant  experience  with  a  certain  German 
named  Valentine  Ziegler,  who  was  a  chimney  sweeper. 
It  was  customary  for  the  chimney  sweepers  to  sing  songs 
on  the  tops  of  chimneys.  Mr.  Ziegler  possessed  a  clear 
voice,  and  was  really  a  good  singer.  He  attended  the 
Reformed  church,  and  often  drowned  the  voice  of  Vor- 
singer  Roland,  greatly  to  his  mortification.  The  matter 
afforded  much  amusement,  especially  to  the  young  people. 
A  friend  who  remembers  Mr.  Ziegler  well,  informs  us 
that  he  was  more  popular  than  other  chimney  sweepers, 
because  of  his  singing.  The  children  begged  their  par- 
ents to  get  Mr.  Ziegler  to  clean  their  chimneys,  because 
they  loved  to  hear  him  sing.  The  writer  remembers  an- 
other vigorous  German  singer.  This  was  some  time  after 
1870.  He  was  a  tall  man,  and  usually  sat  in  the  gallery. 
His  strong,  ringing  voice  was  heard  all  over  the  church, 
and  to  some  extent  annoyed  the  congregation.  Some  one 
admonished  him  not  to  be  so  loud,  but  he  replied,  "The 


FIRST   CHURCH.  35 

Lord  gave  me  my  voice,  and  I  will  use  it   in   His  praise. 
Soon  Christmas  will  come,  then  I  will  sing  right." 

Mr.  Roland  was  the  last  schoolmaster.  He  died  on 
April  16,  1849,  aged  82  years,  11  mouths  aud  28  days, 
and  was  buried  by  Rev.  A.  S.  Leinbach.  The  consistory 
paid  $18  for  the  funeral  expenses — 111  for  the  coffin  and 
case,  $2  for  laying  out  the  body,  $3  for  the  shroud  and  $2 
for  digging  the  grave.  (P^unerals  then  did  not  cost  much 
compared  with  the  present  time.  The  consistory  paid 
$26.66  for  the  funeral  of  Rev.  Philip  Pauli.)  We  have 
been  unable  to  locate  any  descendants  of  Mr.  Roland.  He 
had  a  daughter,  who  was  married  to  a  Mr.  Struben,  but 
she  died  many  years  ago.  Mr.  Roland  was  succeeded  as 
organist  by  Franklin  Moers  with  a  salary  of  $100  per  year. 


CHAPTER  III. 
CHURCHES. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  time  of  the  erection  of 
the  first  house  of  worship  is  involved  in  as  much  doubt  as 
is  the  time  of  the  organization  of  the  congregation.  The 
presumption  is  that  the  organization  of  the  congregation 
occurred  in  the  year  1753.  This  is  based  largely  upon 
the  fact  that  Rev.  Philip  Jacob  Michael  baptized  children 
of  the  Reformed  people  in  this  year  and  subsequently.  It 
is  believed  that  at  this  time  he  ministered  regularly  to  the 
people,  which  implies  an  organization.  Secondly,  the 
Lutheran  people  were  organized  in  1751,  and  it  is  reason- 
able to  suppose  that  the  Reformed  people  were  not  much 
behind  them.  It  is  certain  that  the  organization  was  ef- 
fected before  1755,  because  in  the  mouth  of  April  of  that 
year  Abraham  Korper,  a  delegate  of  the  congregation, 
appeared  before  the  Coetus  at  its  meeting  in  Lancaster 
and  requested  that  body  to  send  an  approved  minister  to 
the  congregation.  In  answer  to  this  request  Rev.  William 
Stoy  supplied  the  congregation  from  April,  1755,  to  the 
meeting  of  the  Coetus  in  June,  1756. 

When  was  the  first  house  of  worship  erected  by  the 
Reformed  church  ?  It  has  all  along  been  the  impression 
that  a  small  log  church  was  erected  soon  after  the  organ- 
ization of  the  congregation.  The  year  1755  has  frequently 
been  mentioned  as  the  time.     In  this  year  the  first  church 


FIRST    CHURCH.  37 

record  was  commenced.  Prof.  I.  D.  Rupp,  in  his  "  His- 
tory of  Berks  and  Lebanon  Counties,"  which  was  pub- 
lished in  1844,  distinctly  states  that  a  small  log  church 
was  erected  in  1753,  and  demolished  in  1761  to  make 
room  for  the  stone  church.  This  reliable  historian  had 
no  doubt  about  the  matter.  When  Prof.  Rupp  published 
his  history  in  1844,  there  were  people  living  here  whose 
grand-parents  were  connected  with  the  Reformed  congre- 
gation from  its  beginning,  and  they  had  full  opportunity 
of  knowing  about  the  first  church. 

The  writer  has  given  much  thought  to  this  question, 
and,  after  weighing  every  fact  bearing  on  the  subject,  he 
is  inclined  to  accept  the  statement  that  a  small  log  church 
was  erected  either  in  1753  or  1755.  The  only  argument 
of  weight  against  his  view  is  the  fact  that  the  deed  of 
Conrad  Weiser  and  Isaac  Levan,  the  original  trustees  for 
the  Reformed  people,  to  the  elders  of  the  Reformed 
church  for  the  first  two  lots,  dated  March  5,  1759,  con- 
tains the  condition  that  said  elders  should  permit  the  con- 
gregation to  erect  a  house  of  worship  upon  the  lots.  Why 
this  permission  to  erect  a  house  of  worship,  when  there 
was  already  a  log  church  ?  This  question  may  be  an- 
swered by  the  statement  of  the  late  Daniel  S.  Zacharias, 
that  he  had  positive  evidence  of  the  existence  of  a  Re- 
formed log  church.  Then  it  may  also  be  assumed  that 
there  was  already  at  that  time  an  agitation  for  a  new  and 
larger  church.  Taken  literally,  the  condition  in  the  deed 
would  imply  that  there  was  then  no  church.  Over  against 
this  is  the  fact  that  the  church  erected  in  1761  was  a 
pretty  large  and  substantial  stone  building  with  a  steeple. 
The  wood  work  inside — pulpit,  sounding  board  and  gal- 


38  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

lery  front — included  much  carving,  all  done  by  hand.  It 
seems  impossible  that  such  a  building  should  have  been 
the  first  church  for  the  little  flock.  Again,  the  congrega- 
tion was  supplied  by  ministers  sent  by  the  Coetus  from 
1755  for  a  period  of  about  five  years.  This  fact  strongly 
implies  a  place  of  worship.  Again,  the  parochial  school 
was  organized  in  1755,  and  there  must  have  been  a  place 
in  which  it  was  conducted. 

We,  therefore,  assume  that  in   1753  or  1755  a  small 
log  church  was  erected.     The  fact  that  the  deed   for  the 


LOG  CHURCH. 


first  two  lots  was  issued  on  May  20,  1754,  is  no  argument 
against  a  church  in  1 753.  The  deed  for  the  Lutheran 
lots  was  executed  two  days  later  than  that  for  the  Re- 
formed, but  it  is  an  undisputed  fact  that  the  Lutheran 
church  was  erected  in  1752.  The  fact  is,  the  lots  were 
secured  and  improved  in  advance  of  making  the  deeds. 

Tradition  has  always  been  in  favor  of  a  log  church 
before  the  large  stone  church.  The  log  church,  supposed 
to  have  been  erected  in  1753  or  1755,  was  a  small  affair, 
but  in  keeping  with  the  size  of  the  congregation  and  the 
circumstances  of  the  members.     There  is  an  imaginary 


FIRST   CHURCH.  39 

picture  ot  this  church  ou  one  of  the  windows  of  the  pres- 
ent church.  Ou  page  38  we  present  a  reproduction  of  it. 
It  was  after  the  same  general  style  of  most  of  the  little 
churches  erected  in  those  days.  There  was  a  small  bell 
above  the  roof,  which  was  rung  from  the  outside,  there 
being  no  belfry.  Tradition  says  there  was  neither  floor 
nor  stove  in  this  building,  at  least  not  in  tlie  beginning. 
The  seats  were  of  course  of  the  most  primitive  kind.  The 
location  of  the  log  churcli  is  not  certain.  If  the  log 
church,  however,  stood  at  another  place  than  at  the  corner 
of  Washington  and  Reed  streets,  the  statement  in  the 
deed,  calling  for  the  erection  of  a  church  at  the  latter 
place,  would  find  its  explanation.  The  j)ossibility  of  the 
log  church  having  another  location  than  the  stone  church 
ought  at  least  be  considered.  Land  was  often  occupied 
years  before  it  was  actually  purchased.  It  has  sometimes 
been  claimed  that  it  stood  at  the  corner  of  Seventh  and 
Washington  streets,  but  this  cannot  be  correct,  for  the  rea- 
son that  the  ground  at  that  place  was  not  purchased  until 
1776,  fifteen  years  after  the  erection  of  the  stone  church. 
We  assume  that  it  stood  on  the  site  of  the  present  church. 

In  this  little  house  the  Reformed  people  sat  and  wor- 
shipped, and  listened  to  long  sermons,  which  people  could 
not  endure  now.  The  fact  is,  the  people  could  hear  ser- 
mons only  seldom,  and  they  became  hungry  for  the  Word 
of  God.  A  thing  that  is  rare  is  always  most  appreciated. 
In  this  church  Revs.  Schlatter,  Stoy,  Waldschmid,  Otter- 
bein  and  others  preached. 

The  little  log  church  was  not  used  many  years,  only 
until  1761.  The  town  grew  rapidly,  and  a  larger  church 
was  needed. 


40 


HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 


The  second  church  was  erected  in  the  year  1761.  It 
was  built  of  stone,  and  was  a  substantial  building  of  good 
size.  It  was  located  near  the  corner  of  Washington  and 
Reed  streets,  between  the  present  church  and  St.  Paul's 
church.     The  size  and  character  of  the  building  reflects 


SECOND  (STONE)  CHURCH,    1761. 

credit  upon  the  people  of  that  time,  which  was  only  thir- 
teen years  after  the  town  was  laid  out.  The  church  is  all 
the  more  creditable  to  them  when  we  remember  that  the 
congregation  was  vacant  from  1760  to  1765,  not  having  a 
regular  supply  pastor  from  Coetus  as  before.  The  stones 
were  well  laid.     The  church  was  finely  finished.     The  in- 


FIRST   CHURCH.  41 

side  wood  work — altar,  pulpit,  sounding  board  and  gal- 
lery— had  a  good  deal  of  carving,  which  was  all  hand 
work.  There  was  an  organ  in  the  church.  The  seats 
were  of  a  primitive  style.  There  was  a  steeple  of  consid- 
erable height,  which  was  surmounted  by  the  figure  of  a 
rooster.  This  figure  was  borrowed  from  Holland.  An 
interesting  incident  is  connected  with  this  rooster.  On 
one  occasion  two  ladies  were  passing  along  Washington 
street.  One  of  them  was  superstitious.  When  opposite 
the  Reformed  church  she  was  somewhat  agitated  and  said 
to  her  companion  :  "They  say  that  when  that  rooster  on 
the  church  once  crows,  the  world  will  come  to  an  end." 
But  the  rooster  never  crowed,  and  the  world  still  stands. 
It  is  likely  that  some  one  had  practised  a  joke  on  the  too 
credulous  lady.  The  entrance  to  the  steeple  was  by  means 
of  a  ladder.  It  is  stated  that  at  the  corners  of  the  square 
tower  were  niches,  which  contained  four  figures  of  the 
apostles,  carved  in  wood.  On  March  10,  1764,  a  bell 
was  purchased  at  a  cost  of  £20,  10s.,  lOkh,  in  Pennsyl- 
vania currency,  or  about  $50.  The  pulpit  was  of  the 
wine  glass  order,  that  is,  it  stood  on  a  pedestal.  Many 
such  pulpits  may  still  be  seen  in  our  older  churches  in 
the  country.  Above  the  pulpit  was  a  sounding  board, 
which  was  intended  to  convey  the  sound  of  tlie  preacher's 
voice  into  the  body  of  the  church.  Originally  the  floor  of 
the  church  consisted  of  stone  or  brick,  but  later  a  wooden 
floor  superseded  it. 

We  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  the  exact  cost  of 

the  church.     The  writer  found  the  orders  and  receipts  for 

work  on  this  church  preserved  among  the  records  of  the 

congregation.     The  orders  are  found  on  one  side  of  the 

4 


42  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

paper  and  the  receipts  oa  the  reverse  side.  They  are 
numbered  cousecutively  up  to  63,  but  seven  orders  and 
receipts  are  missing.  The  GO  receipted  orders  aggregate 
a  little  over  410  pounds,  or  about  $1300  in  Pennsylvania 
money.  The  largest  amount  was  paid  to  stone  masons. 
Two  pounds  were  paid  to  David  Katterman  "  for  hauling 
one  load  of  boards  across  the  Blue  Mountains  to  the 
church."  It  is  believed  that  the  church  was  first  put  un- 
der roof  and  used  in  an  uuliuished  state  until  after  1775, 
when  upon  tire  payment  of  the  debt  it  was  completed. 
The  record  of  1775  distinctly  states  that  the  debt  was 
fully  paid  in  that  year.  It  is  believed  that  the  debt 
which  was  partly  paid  in  1 794,  was  contracted  through 
the  completion  of  the  church  after  1775.  (For  particu- 
lars of  payments  of  debt  in  1794  and  1814  see  Chapter  on 
Miscellaneous.) 

The  first  minister  to  preach  in  the  new  stone  church 
was  Rev.  John  George  Alsentz,  of  Germautown,  Pa.  This 
is  proven  by  a  statement  on  the  back  of  the  deed  given 
for  the  lots  upon  which  the  church  was  erected,  as  fol- 
lows:  "May  13,  1764.  The  first  sermon  was  preached 
in  the  new  church  on  the  within  mentioned  lots  by  George 
Alsentz,  minister  of  the  gospel."  This  shows  that  the 
erection  of  the  church  occupied  several  years — from  1761 
to  the  spring  of  1764. 

In  1777  the  church  was  used  as  a  hospital,  together 
with  two  other  churches  of  the  town.  During  the  winter 
of  1777-8  about  three  hundred  sick  soldiers  were  cared 
for  in  Reading.  Xo  doubt  the  Reformed  people  had  a 
large  share  in  the  nursing  of  the  soldiers  in  their  church. 
A  considerable  number  of  soldiers  died.  It  is  stated  that 
they  were  buried   in   the  Potter's  Field  at   Walnut  and 


FIRST   CHURCH.  43 

Church  streets.  No  doubt  the  Reformed  pastor,  Rev. 
John  AV.  Boos,  officiated  at  many  of  the  funerals. 

The  picture  of  the  stone  church,  from  which  the  cut 
used  in  this  connection  was  made,  was  many  years  ago 
presented  to  the  writer  by  the  late  Mrs.  Mary  R.  Haiu. 
She  well  remembered  the  old  church.  She  was  born  in 
1817,  and  attended  services  in  the  stone  church.  She  was 
confirmed  in  the  present  church  in  1834,  two  years  after 
its  erection,  by  Rev.  William  Pauli,  Mrs.  Hain  was  a 
granddaughter  of  Col.  Nicholas  Lotz,  an  officer  of  the 
Revolutionary  army.  (See  biographical  sketch  of  him  in 
Chapter  on  "  During  the  Revolution.")  Col.  Lotz  was  a 
prominent  member  of  the  Reformed  church  in  Reading, 
and  died  in  1807. 

The  second  or  stone  church  served  the  Reformed  peo- 
ple during  the  long  period  of  seventy  years,  from  1701  to 
1831.  It  had  by  this  time  become  too  small  for  the  grow- 
ing congregation.  In  the  latter  year  the  old  church  was 
demolished  and  a  new  one  erected  on  the  same  site.  The 
corner-stone  of  the  stone  church  was  opened  during  the 
demolishing  of  the  building  (on  April  6,  1832).  It  con- 
tained a  Bible,  which  was  much  decayed  and  entirely  il- 
legible, a  silver  coin,  a  copper  coin  and  a  k^aden  plate 
eight  inches  square.  This  plate  served  as  an  important 
historical  document.  The  centre  of  the  plate  was  marked 
off  to  represent  the  two  lots  of  ground,  and  lines  were 
drawn  from  the  external  angles  to  the  four  corners,  divid- 
ing it  into  four  parts,  and  inscriptions  were  made  in  these 
parts  as  follows : 

North. — "  To  the  High  German  Reformed  Congre- 
gation of  Reading,   in   Berks  County,  and  privileged  to 


44  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

build  a  church  thereon,  aud  for  the  interment  of  the  dead 
for  us  and  our  descendants." 

South. — "  The  corner-stone  was  laid  27th  July,  in 
presence  of  the  congregation.  A  Bible,  and  the  coin  iu 
silver  and  copper  of  our  King  of  Great  Britain,  France 
and  Ireland,  were  deposited,  A.  D.  1761." 

East. — "  The  Patent  was  recorded  in  Land-Office, 
Phila.,  Book  A,folio  17,  p.  504,  16  4ug.  1754." 

West. — "  These  two  lots  of  ground  were  sold  by- 
Thomas  Penn  and  Richard  Penn,  veritable  proprietors  of 
the  province  of  Pennsylvania,  20  May,  1754." 

The  reverse  side  of  the  plate  bore  this  inscription : 

"  Conrad  Weiser  and  Isaac  Levan,  trustees  of  the  con- 
gregation in  the  Patent ;  aud  Architects  are  M.  W.  Res- 
ser,  Abr.  Kerper  and  W.  Miller,  who  are  also  Wardens 
of  the  Congregation." 

It  was  fortunate  that  the  inscriptions  of  the  plate  were 
legible,  as  they  authenticate  the  history  of  the  beginning 
of  the  stone  church. 

In  1831  the  old  stone  church  was  removed  and  the 
erection  of  the  present  large  brick  church  commenced. 
This  was  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  William  Pauli. 
The  work  must  have  proceeded  slowly,  because  the  corner- 
stone was  not  laid  until  June  1  7, 1832.  The  corner-stone 
of  the  old  stone  church  was  opened  on  April  6,  1832,  as 
stated  above.  The  plate  and  the  coins  were  replaced  into 
the  new  corner-stone,  together  with  a  new  Bible  and  va- 
rious specimens  of  currency.  At  the  corner-stone  laying 
Revs.  Helfenstein,  Hendel,  Dechant,  Wm.  Pauli  and  C. 
A.  Pauli  were  present.  The  laying  of  the  stone  was  to 
have  taken  place  on  June  3,  but  was  postponed  to  June 
17  on  account  of  inclement  weather.  Besides  the  articles 
named  above,  the  following  "  Proclamation"  was  also 
placed  into  the  corner-stone  : 


FIRST   CHURCH.  45 

"At  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  High  Ger- 
man Reformed  church  in  the  town  of  Reading,  Berks 
county,  State  of  Pennsylvania,  in  North  America. 

"  Whereas  the  congregation  of  the  High  German  Re- 
formed church  in  the  town  of  Reading  has  resolved  to 
erect  a*new,  larger  and  more  commodious  church  than  the 
old  one,  therefore  we  declare  herewith  and  make  known 
to  posterity  that  we  love  the  Christian  religion  above 
everything  and  value  it  highly,  and  that  it  is  our  wish 
and  prayer  that  it  may  be  preached  in  its  purity  to  our 
latest  posterity  ;  that  it  shall  be  and  remain  a  High  Ger- 
man Reformed  church ;  and  for  this  purpose  we  in  the 
name  of  the  Triune  God  lay  the  corner-stone  for  said 
church. 

"Done  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1832,  on  June  3,  un- 
der the  government  of  A,  Jackson,  president  of  the  United 
States,  and  the  governor  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  Mr. 
Wolf." 

The  building  committee  were  Nicholas  Lotz,  Baltzer 
Smith,  Daniel  Fasig,  John  Y.  Cunnius,  Abraham  Kerper 
and  John  Miller.  The  size  of  the  building  was  55  by  75 
feet,  with  a  steeple.  The  new  church  was  in  keeping 
with  the  then  prevailing  style  of  architecture.  There 
were  entrances  on  the  south  and  the  west  sides.  The  floor 
was  about  three  feet  above  the  pavement.  The  pulpit 
M^as  on  the  north  side,  with  a  sounding  board  above  it. 
There  were  galleries  on  three  sides.  There  was  a  steeple, 
151  feet  in  height,  in  which  were  placed  two  bells.  One 
of  the  bells  was  the  one  which  had  been  used  in  the  old 
stone  church.  The  new  church  was  dedicated  on  April 
21,  1833. 

AVe  have  no  record  of  the  cost  of  the  new  church,  nor 
of  the  amount  of  the  debt  incurred,  but  we  are  certain 
that  there  was  a  considerable  debt.     On  May  5,  1832,  the 


46 


HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 


THIRD    CHURCH,    1832-33. 

trustees  were  given  permission  to  borrow  $5000  towards 
the  erection  of  the  church,  and  in  1833  the  Legislature 
passed  an  act  to  authorize  the  congregation  to  mortgage 
its  real  estate  to  raise  money  for  the  payment  of  its  debts. 
There  was  evidently  a  separate  building  account.     But 


FIRST  CHURCH.  47 

there  were  also  some  payments  from  the  regular  treasury 
towards  the  erection  of  the  church.  On  April  18,  1832, 
the  treasurer,  Mr.  Nicholas  Lotz,  paid  $300  to  Balthaser 
Schmid  and  Daniel  Fasig  "  to  erect  the  church."  For 
some  years  a  considerable  surplus  had  been  accumulated 
from  the  current  expense  account,  and  this  surplus  was 
loaned  out  on  bonds  with  interest  at  six  per  cent.  In 
1830  these  loans  aggregated  $1280.72.  Among  these 
loans  was  one  of  $200  to  the  pastor,  Rev.  William  Pauli. 
During  1831  and  1832  all  of  these  loans  were  called  in 
and  the  money  evidently  applied  to  the  building  of  the 
new  house  of  worship.  The  total  receipts  from  this  source, 
including  interest,  were  $1410.85.  Then  various  sums  of 
money  were  borrowed,  but  how  much  we  cannot  state. 
The  amount  must  have  been  considerable.  On  July  13, 
1832,  the  sum  of  $737  was  paid  "for  the  bond  of  Keim 
and  Trenkel."  For  some  time  Jacob  Dick  was  paid  $100 
per  year  for  interest,  Esther  High  $75  and  Hetty  Hoch 
$90  at  six  per  cent.  This  would  indicate  a  principal  sum 
of  about  $4500.  A  considerable  sum  must  have  been 
raised  by  subscription.  A  portion  of  the  debt  was  carried 
a  long  time.  In  1847  $1200  was  paid  to  Hetty  Hoch  on 
her  loan  of  $1500. 

In  1840  the  church  was  changed  somewhat.  The  cel- 
lar was  changed  into  a  basement  for  the  use  of  the  Sun- 
day school,  which  was  organized  this  year.  When  the 
church  was  erected,  no  cellar  had  been  excavated.  This 
was  now  done  to  form  a  basement.  The  basement  was 
ceiled  and  served  its  purpose  about  ten  years.  The  place 
was  still  practically  a  cellar.  It  was  dark  and  damp. 
According  to  a  statement  of  Mr.  A.  F.   Boas  the  cost  of 


48  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

preparing  the  basement  for  the  use  of  the  Sunday  school 
was  1300.  Some  of  the  people  considered  this  an  exor- 
bitant sum  to  be  expended  for  such  a  purpose.  In  Jan- 
uary, 1842,  the  consistory  called  a  congregational  meet- 
ing to  elect  a  successor  to  Rev.  Pauli.  The  meeting  was 
directed  to  be  held  "  in  the  Sunday  school  room  under  the 
church."  The  present  cellar  door  on  the  south  side  was 
the  entrance  to  the  school  room. 

In  1844  the  sum  of  |376.81  was  collected  and  ex- 
pended for  refitting  and  finishing  the  lecture  room. 

In  1848  the  ladies  collected  money  for  chandeliers  in 
the  church.  Four  chandeliers  were  procured  at  a  cost  of 
$57.25. 

In  April,  1848,  the  congregation  resolved  to  remodel 
the  church  in  case  the  English  portion  of  the  congrega- 
tion desired  to  remain.  However  the  Second  congrega- 
tion was  organized,  and  the  remodeling  was  allowed  to 
rest  temporarily. 

On  May  22,  1848,  it  was  resolved  to  have  the  exterior 
wood  work  of  the  church  and  the  steeple  painted,  as  no 
paint  had  been  applied  to  these  parts  since  the  erection  of 
the  church  in  1831.  A  contract  for  the  work  was  made 
with  A\'illiam  Haas  for  $186,  the  congregation  furnishing 
the  materials. 

On  July  30,  1849,  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  A.  S. 
Leinbach,  the  congregation  resolved  by  a  vote  of  32  to  12 
to  proceed  with  the  remodeling  of  the  church,  and  these 
persons  were  appointed  the  building  committee :  Philip 
Fisher,  Daniel  Wcitzel,  John  F.  Moers,  John  Geily  and 
William  Call.  (Of  these  Mr.  Call  is  still  living  at  this 
writing,  summer  of  1905.)     The  entrance  at  the  western 


FIRST    CHURCH.  49 

end  of  the  church  was  closed,  and  the  pulpit  removed  to 
this  place  from  the  northern  side  of  the  church.  The  first 
floor  was  lowered  several  feet  to  a  level  with  the  base- 
ment, and  a  basement  entirely  above  ground  erected.  The 
galleries  were  of  course  reconstructed. 

The  church  was  extended  16  feet  at  the  eastern  end, 
which  gave  it  a  length  of  91  feet,  and  made  it  almost 
flush  with  the  tower.  The  addition  embraces  the  present 
vestibule  of  the  church.  We  have  been  unable  to  ascer- 
tain the  cost  of  these  improvements. 

The  church  was  rededicated  on  March  3,  1850.  There 
was  a  large  attendance.  Rev.  Thos.  H.  Leinbach,  father 
of  the  then  pastor,  preached  in  German  in  the  forenoon, 
and  Dr.  Henry  Harbaugh  in  English  in  the  afternoon. 

In  the  spring  of  1852  the  consistory  resolved  to  "  have 
the  seats  altered  on  the  plan  of  the  Lutheran  church 
benches." 

In  1857  an  additional  stairway  was  erected  from  the 
Reed  street  side  through  the  tower  to  the  audience  room 
on  the  second  floor  at  an  expense  of  $273.  In  1860  a 
new  roof  was  placed  upon  the  church  and  other  repairs 
made  at  an  expense  of  $1569.09.  After  these  improve- 
ments the  church  remained  in  its  then  condition  until 
1874,  when  it  was  thoroughly  remodeled  and  placed  in  its 
present  condition. 

In  1874  and  1875  the  church  was  thoroughly  re- 
modeled and  modernized  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  H. 
Mosser.  The  building  committee  consisted  of  George  J. 
Eckert,  F.  S.  Bernhart,  Solomon  Sprecher,  Amos  L.  Dick 
and  Samuel  Klopp.  Nothing  but  the  walls  and  the  roof 
of  the  old  building  were  retained.     New   galleries,  win- 


50 


HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 


REMODELED   CHURCH,    1874. 

dows,  pulpit  and  pews  were  introduced,  and  the  ceil- 
ing changed.  The  old  low  steeple,  which  was  out  of  pro- 
portion to  the  size  of  the  church,  was  taken  down  and 
replaced  by  a  higher  one.     Portions  of  tlie   walls  of  the 


FIRST   CHURCH. 


51 


tower  were  removed,  and  nearly  enough  brick  secured  for 
the  erection  of  the  large  parsonage  at  the  west  end  of  the 
church.  The  walls  of  the  tower  showed  how  well  the 
people  of  a  former  generation  bad  built,   as   these  walls 


52 


HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 


were  five  feet  in  thickness.  The  organ  was  reconstructed 
at  an  expense  of  $1600  by  Mr.  Samuel  Bohk^r,  of  Reading. 
The  church  now  presents  a  very  fine  appearance,  both 
externally  and  internally.  During  the  remodeling  of  the 
church  the  congregation  and  Sunday  school  held  their  ser- 


FIRST  CHURCH.         ^  53 

vices  in  Keystone  Hall,  corner  Sixth  and  Court  streets. 
St.  Paul's  Reformed  chapel  had  been  offered  for  the  use 
of  the  school,  but  was  declined. 

The  work  of  remodeling  was  commenced  after  the 
Whitsunday  communion  in  1874  and  completed  in  May, 
1875.     The  dedication  took  place  on  Sunday,  May  2, 1875. 

The  congregation  greatly  rejoiced  over  the  completion 
of  the  great  work.  There  was  only  one  unpleasant  fea- 
ture. When  the  plans  were  adopted  in  the  spring  of 
1874,  the  cost  of  the  work  was  estimated  at  $25,000,  but 
upon  the  completion  of  the  work  the  entire  cost  was  found 
to  be  $41,362.  After  deducting  a  liberal  subscription 
which  had  been  made,  a  debt  of  over  $22,000  remained. 
This  proved  to  be  a  considerable  burden  to  the  congrega- 
tion, and  the  interest  account  consumed  a  large  amount  of 
money  which  could  otherwise  have  been  devoted  to  benev- 
olent purposes.  However,  sixteen  years  later,  in  1891, 
the  entire  debt  was  paid,  to  the  great  relief  of  the  pastor 
as  well  as  the  congregation. 

The  remodeling  of  the  First  church  cost  a  great  deal 
more  than  was  at  first  intended  to  spend,  through  an  error 
of  the  treasurer  of  the  building  fund.  The  plan  adopted 
in  1874,  including  a  new  steeple  and  a  parsonage,  was 
estimated  to  cost  $25,000.  When  the  selection  of  the 
wood  for  the  pulpit,  pews,  chancel  and  gallery  front  was 
to  be  made,  it  was  proposed  to  use  solid  walnut,  but  the 
question  was  raised :  Can  we  afford  solid  walnut  ?  The 
treasurer  was  asked  how  much  money  had  been  sub- 
scribed, and  he  replied  $35,000.  That  settled  the  ques- 
tion, and  solid  walnut  was  selected.  Afterwards  the  em- 
barrassing discovery  was  made  that  the  treasurer  had  in- 


54  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

advertently  counted  some  subscriptions  twice,  and  in  that 
way  changed  the  total  subscriptions  from  S22,000  to 
$35,000.  But  it  was  too  late.  The  order  for  solid  wal- 
nut finishing  could  not  be  recalled.  This  is  the  way  it 
happened  that  the  First  church  was  finished  in  solid  Aval- 
nut,  which  was  quite  expensive. 

The  congregation  was  now  well  provided  for,  but  the 
Sunday  school  rooms  in  the  basement  remained  substan- 
tially as  before,  except  that  the  old  brick  partition  had 
been  removed  and  a  glass  partition  inserted  in  its  place. 
The  school,  whicli  had  been  considerably  reduced  by  the 
organization  of  St.  Paul's  church  and  Sunday  school,  in- 
creased again  in  membership,  and  the  want  of  more  room 
soon  began  to  be  felt.  Therefore  in  1882  a  brick  chapel 
was  erected  on  the  lot  immediately  to  the  north  of  the 
church  for  the  use  of  the  primary  department  of  the 
school.  The  cost  of  the  erection  of  this  chapel  was  $1520.- 
6(y,  the  whole  amount  of  which  was  contributed  by  the 
Sunday  school. 

After  some  years  the  basement  was  again  too  small  for 
the  senior  school,  and  poorly  adapted  for  its  use.  In  1896 
one  more  improvement  was  made.  The  chapel  of  the 
primary  department  was  removed,  the  north  wall  of  the 
basement  of  the  church  taken  out,  and  a  fine,  well  ar- 
ranged chapel  erected  for  the  use  of  the  senior  department. 
The  primary  department  was  removed  to  one  of  the  rooms 
of  the  basement.  This  improvement  cost  over  $9000,  all 
of  which  has  been  paid.  The  school  is  now  well  cared 
for,  and  is  doing  efficient  work. 


CHAPTER  ly. 

PERIOD  OF  SUPPLIES,  1755-1765. 

From  the  time  of  its  organization  to  1765  the  congre- 
gation had  no  regular  pastor.  As  stated  in  the  first  Chap- 
ter, the  congregation  was  organized  about  1753  by  Rev. 
Philip  Jacob  Michael  and  for  some  time  supplied  by  him. 
He  likely  left  Reading  in  the  latter  part  of  1754.  The 
congregation  was  not  at  first  connected  with  the  Coetus  or 
Synod  organized  in  1747,  and  therefore  there  is  no  refer- 
ence to  it  in  the  minutes  of  that  body  before  1755.  (See 
statement  on  this  point  in  minutes  of  Coetus,  175G.) 

1.— Rev.  William  Stoy,  1755. 

The  people  became  tired  of  the  existing  conditions, 
and  longed  for  a  regular  and  faithful  shepherd.  At  the 
Coetus  of  1755  (April  9-11)  at  Lancaster  appeared  Abra- 
ham Koerper,  a  delegate  from  the  congregation  at  Read- 
ing, with  the  request  that  the  new  town  of  Reading  might 
be  supplied  by  a  minister  approved  by  Coetus,  or  at  least 
with  some  religious  services.  It  is  rather  likely  that 
Rev.  Michael  Schlatter  advised  the  congregation  to  make 
this  request.  He  had  come  to  Reading  in  March  of  1755 
to  organize  a  charity  school,  and  saw  their  need.  In 
answer  to  this  request  the  Coetus  committed  the  Reading 
congregation  to  Rev.  William  Stoy,  pastor  at  Tulpe- 
hocken,  and  Rev.  AVilliam  Otterbein,  pastor  at  Lancaster. 


56  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Mr.  Otterbein  depended  entirely  upon  Mr.  Stoy  to  supply 
Reading,  likely  because  it  was  much  nearer  to  Tulpe- 
hocken  than  to  Lancaster. 

Mr.  Stoy  seems  to  have  gone  to  Reading  almost  imme- 
diately. Already  on  April  22,  1755,  we  find  the  first 
entry  of  a  baptism  in  the  old  church  record.  On  that  day 
was  baptized  Maria  Christina,  daughter  of  John  Valen- 
tine Kerber  and  his  wife  Catherine.  Although  the  record 
is  not  in  the  handwriting  of  Rev.  Stoy,  there  is  little 
doubt  that  he  performed  the  baptism,  for  when  Coetus 
met  again  on  June  15,  1756,  at  Philadelphia,  Stoy  is  said 
to  have  preached  at  Reading  for  fourteen  months,  which 
carries  us  back  to  the  time  of  the  baptism,  the  latter  half 
of  April  of  1755. 

When  Stoy  came  to  Reading,  the  new  settlement  had 
become  a  little  town.  A  report  tells  us  that  2-41  of  the 
total  520  town  lots  had  been  sold,  and  it  has  been  esti- 
mated that  Reading  had  at  that  time  about  200  dwelling 
houses  and  nearly  a  thousand  inhabitants.  It  was  in 
every  sense  of  the  word,  as  it  has  proved  itself  up  to  the 
present  time,  a  prosperous  and  enterprising  town. 

The  new  minister,  Rev.  H.  AV.  Stoy,  was  born  March 
14,  1726,  at  Herborn.  His  father,  John  George  Stoy,  was 
a  tailor.  He  gave  his  son  Henry  William  a  liberal  edu- 
cation. As  a  boy  of  seven  years  he  passed  from  the  pub- 
lic school  to  the  Latin  school  of  his  native  city  in  October, 
1733,  and  when  he  was  fifteen  years  of  age  he  entered  the 
university  in  April,  1741.  He  made  such  good  progress 
in  his  studies,  especially  the  ancient  languages,  that  he 
was  soon  able  to  speak  them  as  fluently  as  his  native 
tongue.     Many  of  his  Latin  letters,  which  arc  still  in  ex- 


FIRST   CHURCH.  57 

istence,  testify  to  his  ability  and  scliolarship.  When  Rev. 
Michael  Schlatter  came  to  Herborn  iu  1751  he  met  Stoy, 
who  declared  himself  willing  to  go  with  him  to  Pennsyl- 
vania. With  six  yonng  ministers  Mr.  Schlatter  left  Hol- 
land, and  arrived  iu  New  York  on  Aug.  8,  1752.  (July 
28,  given  by  Dr.  Harbaugh,  is  also  correct  according  to 
the  old  style.)  Shortly  afterwards  Rev.  Mr.  Stoy  was 
appointed  as  pastor  at  Tulpehocken.  While  serving  this 
congregation  he  supplied  Reading,  because  he  was  the 
nearest  minister.  He  served  here  fourteen  months.  The 
people  were  satisfied  with  him,  and  he  would  no  doubt 
have  continued  with  them,  but  for  his  being  called  to  Phil- 
adelphia iu  the  summer  of  1756.  Reading  was  therefore 
now  again  vacant. 

Mr.  Stoy  remained  only  a  year  in  Philadelphia.  His 
next  charge  was  Lancaster,  Pa.,  and  he  served  there  from 
October,  1758,  to  January,  1763.  His  ministry  there 
was  successful.  From  October,  1758,  to  May,  1760,  he 
baptized  one  hundred  children,  confirmed  forty  young 
persons  and  had  sixty  children  in  the  school.  In  1763 
Mr.  Stoy  went  to  Europe  and  studied  medicine.  He  re- 
mained several  years.  The  date  of  his  return  is  not 
known,  but  it  was  before  September,  1767.  He  took  up 
his  residence  in  Lebanon,  then  called  Steitztown,  and 
preached  at  various  places.  Unfortunately  he  no  longer 
labored  in  harmony  with  the  €oetus.  He  gave  a  good 
deal  of  attention  to  the  practice  of  medicine.  He  pre- 
pared a  medicine  known  as  "  Stoy's  Dro})s,"  which  was 
popular.  He  was  one  of  the  first  to  vaccinate  people  for 
the  prevention  of  smallpox.  This  caused  much  opposi- 
tion, because  people  considered  the  practice  as  opposing 
5 


58  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

providence. — One  of  his  preparations  was  an  itch  remedy. 
This  was  the  cause  of  a  ludicrous  incident  on  one  occa- 
sion. A  certain  member  of  one  of  his  congregations  called 
at  his  house  for  some  of  this  kind  of  salve,  but  Mr.  Stoy 
was  absent.  The  man  then  requested  that  the  pastor 
should  bring  it  along  to  church,  but  failed  to  leave  his 
name.  Mr.  Stoy  took  the  remedy  along  to  church,  and 
after  the  sermon  stated  that  he  had  the  itch  salve  wit];i 
him,  and  as  he  did  not  know  the  customer,  he  requested 
him  to  arise,  and  he  would  give  it  to  him.  It  need  not 
be  stated  that  no  one  arose.  The  patient  was  unwilling 
to  expose  his  ailment  in  that  way.  Mr.  Stoy  also  pre- 
pared a  remedy  for  hydrophobia,  which  was  used  exten- 
sively. Gen.  Washington  two  years  before  his  death  sent 
a  patient  to  Mr.  Stoy  at  Lebanon  for  treatment.  In  his 
journal  under  date  of  October  18,  1797,  is  found  this 
entry  :  "  Gave  my  servant  Christopher  $25  to  bear  the 
expenses  to  a  person  at  Lebanon  in  Pennsylvania  cele- 
brated for  curing  persons  bit  by  wild  animals."  The 
recipe  has  passed  from  one  generation  to  another,  and  is 
now  in  possession  of  Rev.  Elmer  S.  Noll,  of  Perkasie,  Pa. 
Mr.  Stoy,  when  on  his  journeys  as  a  pastor  or  medi- 
cal practitioner,  usually  carried  his  gun  with  him,  and 
shot  much  game,  which  was  plentiful  at  that  time  in  wild 
regions.  Mr.  Stoy  was  a  man  of  great  physical  strength. 
On  one  occasion  a  certain  blacksmith  undertook  to  give 
him  a  beating,  but  to  his  sorrow.  The  men  met  on  the 
road.  The  blacksmith  dismounted,  tied  his  horse  to  the 
fence,  and  proceeded  to  thrash  the  parson,  but  before  he 
could  realize  what  he  was  doing,  Stoy  had  laid  hold  of 
him  and  thrown  him  over  the  fence.     That  was   enough 


FIRST   CHURCH.  59 

for  him.  He  took  his  defeat  good-naturedly,  and  said  : 
"  Parson,  please  throw  my  horse  also  over  the  fence." 
He  never  again  undertook  to  thrash  Mr.  tStoy. 

During  the  latter  part  of  his  life  Mr.  Stoy  preached  in 
the  Host  church,  Berks  county.  The  people  got  in  ar- 
rears with  his  salary,  perhaps  because  they  had  lost  con- 
fidence in  him.  On  one  occasion  he  took  the  matter  into 
the  pulpit  and  berated  the  people  in  a  severe,  but  humor- 
ous manner.  The  substance  of  this  sermon  was  published 
in  the  German  papers.  Au  abstract  of  it  appears  in  the 
book  "Pennsylvania  German,"  published  by  Daniel  Mil- 
ler, Reading,  Pa.  Mr.  Stoy  was  somewhat  eccentric. 
He  undertook  to  raise  one  of  his  sous  after  the  manner  of 
the  Nazarites.  He  was  to  abstain  from  all  intoxicating 
drink,  let  his  hair  grow  without  cutting  or  shaving,  never 
to  enter  a  house  with  a  corpse  in  it,  and  never  to  attend  a 
funeral.  He  iioped  in  this  way  to  raise  a  second  Sam- 
son, but  the  effort  was  a  failure. 

Pastor  Stoy  was  a  many-sided  man.  He  w^as  not  only 
a  preacher  and  a  physician,  but  a  politician  as  well.  Dur- 
ing the  Revolution  he  was  an  advocate  of  the  single  tax 
theory,  and  in  1779  wrote  a  letter  on  this  subject  to  Jo- 
seph Reed,  president  of  the  Supreme  Council  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. His  ideas  were  impracticable.  In  1784  Mr.  Stoy 
was  elected  to  the  Pennsylvania  Legislature.  He  wrote  a 
good  deal  for  the  papers  on  political  subjects.  His  lang- 
uage was  often  very  sarcastic.  He  had  a  violent  temper, 
and  was  fond  of  controversy. 

The  house  in  Lebanon  which  Mr.  Stoy  erected  and 
occupied  became  somewhat  famous,  because  in  it  the  first 
court  of  the  new  county  of  Lebanon  was  held  before  the 


60  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

completion  of  the  court  house.  The  house  is  located  at 
924  Cumberland  street  and  at  present  occupied  by  Mrs. 
A.  R.  Boughter.  It  is  one  of  the  most  substantial  and 
finest  residences  in  the  city.  It  was  at  one  time  owned 
by  Gen.  John  AVeidman.  It  was  for  a  good  while  occu- 
pied by  Judge  McPherson. 

Rev.  Mr.  Stoy  died  at  Lebanon  on  Sept.  14,  1801,  in 
his  76th  year,  and  by  his  own  request  was  buried  at  Host 
church.  He  left  nine  children.  Some  of  his  descendants 
reside  at  Lebanon,  but  none  of  them  bearing  the  name 
Stov. 

2.— Rev.  John  Waldschmid,  1756-1758. 

At  the  meeting  of  Coetus,  June  17,  1756,  in  Philadel- 
phia, it  was  reported  that  the  people  at  Reading  preferred 
to  retain  Rev.  Mr.  Stoy,  but  because  this  could  not  be 
done,  they  submitted  to  the  resolution  of  Coetus  and  pub- 
licly agreed  to  accept  Rev.  John  AValdschmid  as  their 
minister.  They  were  now  an  integral  part  of  Coetus,  and 
ever  after  continued  such.  At  this  meeting  of  that  body 
this  is  reported  of  the  people  of  Reading  :  "  They  Avould 
rather  be  under  the  order  of  our  Coetus  than  be  destroyed 
by  worthless  fellows  and  wolves."  This  seems  to  indi- 
cate the  character  of  some  of  the  men  who  preached  in 
Reading  before  Rev.  William  Stoy. 

Rev.  Waldschmid  served  the  Reading  congregation 
from  1756  to  1758. 

Rev.  John  Waldschmid  was  one  of  the  six  young  min- 
isters whom  Rev.  Michael  Schlatter  brought  with  him 
from  Europe  to  America  in  1752.  He  was  born  on  Au- 
gust 6,  1724,  in  the  province  of  Nassau,  Germany.  He 
was  educated  for  the  ministry,  and  examined  and  ordained 


FIRST   CHURCH.  61 

by  the  Reformed  fathers  in  Holland.  He  lauded  at  New 
York,  July  28,  1752.  Mr.  Schlatter  took  young  Wald- 
schraid  to  Lancaster  county,  and  installed  him  on  Oct.  22, 
1752,  as  pastor  of  four  congregations — Swamp,  White 
Oaks,  Muddy  Creek  and  Zeltenreich.  He  administered 
the  first  communion  at  Swamp  on  Nov.  19,  1752,  to  72 
persons. 

Mr.  Waldschmid  kept  baptismal,  marriage  and  com- 
munion records,  consisting  of  two  books  bound  in  leather. 
These  books  were  provided  for  this  purpose  by  the  Re- 
formed fathers  in  Holland,  as  Mr.  W.  states.  The  bap- 
tismal record  contains  this  introduction  :  "  Im  Namen 
Gottes,  Amen.  Dieses  Buch  ist  verehrt  wordeu  von  den 
Herren  Hollandern,  damit  darin  die  jungen  Kinder  ge- 
tauft,  aufgezeichnet  wiirden  von  den  4  Gemeinden  Cocal- 
ico,  Modenkrik,  Weiseichenland  oder  Seb  Reigger's  Kirch 
nnd  Seltenreich.  Mir,  Johannes  Waldschmid,  als  Pfarrer 
der  4  Gemeinden  von  Herru  Schlatter  iibergeben  zu  Lang- 
caster  den  25.  October,  1752,  nachdem  den  22.  October, 
1752,  eingesetzt  worden  von  ihm." 

The  marriage  record  book  contains  this  introduction  : 
"  In  dieses  Buch  sollen  aufgezeichnet  werden  die  jungen 
Persouen,  welche  ich  als  hiesiger  Pfarrer  proklamiren  und 
copuliren  werde.  J.  Waldschmid,  V.  D.  M."  It  is  dated 
Cocalico,  Dec.  2,  1752.  The  name  is  often  written  Wald- 
schmid^, but  he  himself  writes  it  Waldschmid.  . 

The  two  books  were  kindly  loaned  to  the  writer. 
They  are  in  a  good  state  of  preservation,  and  very  val- 
uable as  pertaining  to  the  early  history  of  the  Reformed 
Church.  They  are  in  possession  of  Mr.  David  W.  Gress, 
a  great-grandson  of  Rev.  W.,  a  member  of  Swamp  church. 


62  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

The  first  baptism  as  recorded  occurred  on  Sept.  3, 
1752,  and  the  last  one  on  Sept.  12,  1785.  After  this  fol- 
lows a  record  of  Mr.  Waldschmids  death. 

The  first  recorded  marriage  by  Mr.  W.  was  solemn- 
ized on  Oct.  17,  1752.  According  to  his  own  record  Mr. 
W.  was  married  on  May  14,  1754,  to  Maria  Elizabeth 
Grub,  by  Rev.  AVm.  Otterbein,  one  of  the  young  minis- 
ters who  came  with  him  to  America.  The  last  two  en- 
tries are :  "  William  Waldschmid,  widower,  was  married 
to  Maria  Diel,  daughter  of  Casper  Diel,  on  Feb.  29, 1808, 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Fawer  (Faber)."  "  I,  John  Waldschmid, 
was  married  to  Maria  Keggereis  on  March  8,  1835." 
These  were  descendants  of  the  pioneer  minister. 

Rev.  Mr.  Waldschmid  spent  the  greater  part  of  his 
ministerial  life  in  one  and  the  same  charge.  In  the  latter 
part  of  his  life  he  supplied  various  other  congregations. 
Thus  he  supplied  Tulpehocken  two  years  after  the  with- 
drawal of  Rev.  Mr.  Stoy,  from  1756  to  1758.  He  also 
preached  at  Heidelberg,  where  his  ministry  ceased  in  1770. 
He  also  supplied  Cacoosing,  Bern,  Epler's,  Allegheny,  etc. 

But  we  are  especially  interested  in  Rev.  Mr.  Wald- 
schmid, because  he  served  the  congregation  at  Reading  at 
various  times.  It  is  supposed  that  he  took  charge  of  the 
congregation  soon  after  the  meeting  of  Coetus  in  June. 
His  record  states  that  he  administered  the  communion  in 
Reading  cfn  Oct.  31,  1756.  The  next  communion  here 
was  held  on  May  29,  1757,  with  about  fifty  guests.  Two 
more  communions  are  recorded  by  him — May  29,  1762, 
and  May  26,  1765.     (See  pages  68  and  71.) 

Rev.  Mr.  AValdschmid  was  a  good-  and  well-meaning 
man.     The  people  were  satisfied  with  him.     In  theCoetal 


FIRST    CHURCH.  (33 

proceedings  of  1700  it  is  stated  that  the  people  were  satis- 
fied with  his  preaching,  but  desired  that  he  might  be  more 
dih'gent  in  family  visitation,  and  more  prudent  in  his 
general  conduct. 

Mr.  Waldschmid  resided  on  a  farm  several  miles  east 
of  Swamp  church.  The  place  is  located  a  short  distance 
north  of  Vinemont  station  of  the  Reading  and  Columbia 
railroad,  and  is  now  owned  by  the  Montello  Brick  Com- 
pany, The  old  house  is  still  standing,  but  an  addition  to 
it  has  been  erected  years  ago.  Here  Rev.  Mr.  AVald- 
schmid  died  on  Sept.  14,  1786.  In  the  afternoon  of  the 
next  day,  Sept.  15,  he  was  buried  at  the  Swamp  chunih. 
Rev.  J.  W.  Boos  preached  the  funeral  sermon.  The 
above  described  record  gives  us  this  information.  The 
entry  was  evidently  made  by  one  of  his  sons.  It  is  as 
follows : 

"God,  the  Almighty,  took  our  dear  father  out  of  the 
world  to  Himself,  into  a  blissful  eternity,  on  the  14th  of 
September,  1786,  between  nine  and  ten  o'clock  in  the 
forenoon.  On  the  15th,  in  the  afternoon,  at  two  o'clock, 
we  committed  his  remains  to  the  grave.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Boos  preached  his  funeral  sermon,  from  Psalm  Ixxiii.  23, 
24.  God  grant  that  we  may  all  come  to  where  he  is  ! 
Amen.  The  tombstone  was  erected  October  6th,  1787; 
cost  £7  and  12  shillings." 

The  writer  several  times  stood  at  Mr.  Waldschmid's 
grave.  The  tombstone  is  a  thick  sandstone,  with  some 
embellishments.  Time  has  almost  effaced  the  inscription, 
wherefore  we  insert  the  same  here : 

"  Soli  Deo  Gloria. 

"  Hier  ruhet  in  Gott  der  Ehrw\  Johannes  Waldschmid. 
Geboren  6.  August,  1724.  Ins  Predigtarat  verordnet 
1752.  Starb  den  14.  September,  1786.  Alt  62  Jahre,  5 
Wochen,  4  Tage." 


64  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

About  six  years  after  his  death  a  peculiar  accident 
happened  to  his  tombstone.  On  Sunday,  June  2,  1793, 
M'hile  a  large  congregation  was  in  church  listening  to  a 
sermon,  the  stone  with  a  loud  crash  broke  off  at  the  cen- 
tre, and  the  top  part  fell  to  the  ground.  There  was  no 
wind  at  the  time,  and  the  occurrence  made  a  deep  impres- 
sion. This  is  not  a  traditional  story,  but  is  recorded  in 
the  record  right  after  the  account  of  his  death  and  burial. 
The  record  says  :  "  Many  saw  the  broken  stone,  and  all 
heard  it  fall."  Both  parts  of  the  stone  are  still  there,  the 
one  at  the  head,  the  other  at  the  foot  of  the  grave.  AVhat 
makes  the  matter  the  more  remarkable  is  the  fact  that 
Mrs.  Waldschmid,  who  was  demented  and  had  not  spoken 
a  word  for  years,  commenced  to  speak  on  that  day.  The 
story  is  still  often  rehearsed  by  the  people.  Mr.  ^^^  was 
survived  by  his  widow,  two  sons  and  two  daughters  The 
widow  died  on  July  12,  1803.  One  of  the  daughters, 
Anna  Mary,  became  the  mother  of  two  well-known  Re- 
formed ministers  :  John  Gring,  of  Lebanon  county,  and 
Daniel  Gring,  of  York  county.  The  latter  was  the  father 
of  two  Reformed  ministers — Rev.  Wm.  A.  Gring,  of  Em- 
mittsburg,  Md.,  and  Rev.  Ambrose  D.  Gring,  the  first 
Reformed  missionary  in  Japan. 

3.— Rev.  William  Otterbein,  1758-1759. 

As  stated  above.  Rev.  ISIr.  Waldschmid  supplied  the 
Reading  people  from  1756  to  1758.  At  the  meeting  of 
Coetus,  Sept.  17,  1758,  reference  is  made  to  this  fact.  At 
this  meeting  a  delegate  from  Reading  asked  whether  they 
could  not  have  their  own  minister.  The  supply  arrange- 
ment was  not  satisfactory.     The  people  wanted  more  and 


FIRST    CHURCH.  65 

better  service  thau  could  be  rendered  by  a  minister  resid- 
ing at  a  distance.  But  the  request  could  not  be  granted 
for  the  want  of  ministers.  Therefore  Rev.Wm.  Otterbeiu 
was  appointed  to  supply  Reading  for  half  a  year,  that  is, 
duriuac  the  following;  winter.  Mr.  Otterbeiu  had  been  the 
pastor  at  Lancaster,  but  resigned  with  a  view  of  visiting 
Europe.  But  he  changed  his  mind  and  delayed  his  trip, 
principally  on  account  of  the  devastations  of  the  Indian 
war  and  the  storms  at  sea  in  the  fall.  He  was  therefore 
the  most  available  minister  to  supply  Reading.  At  the 
same  time  he  supplied  the  two  congregations  at  Tulpe- 
hocken. 

Rev.  William  Otterbeiu  was  one  of  the  six  young  min- 
isters who  came  with  Schlatter  to  America  in  1752.  Like 
Waldschmid,  he  was  born  at  Dillenberg,  Germany.  Like 
Schlatter  and  Waldschmid,  he  studied  at  Herborn.  He 
became  pastor  at  Lancaster,  Pa.,  in  August,  1752,  in  his 
twenty-seventh  year.  Here  he  labored  six  years  with 
much  success.  During  his  pastorate  the  congregation 
erected  a  massive  stone  church  in  1753,  in  place  of  the 
small  wooden  church.  The  new  church  stood  until  1852, 
nearly  a  century.  Mr.  Otterbeiu  introduced  the  custom 
of  having  the  members  call  at  the  parsonage  before  the 
Lord's  Supper  for  a  personal  interview  on  the  subject  of 
religion.  The  plan  was  a  good  one  and  was  in  use  about 
seventy-five  years. 

As  stated,  Mr.  Otterbeiu  resigned  at  Lancaster  in  the 
fall  of  1758  to  make  a  trip  to  Europe,  which  plan  was 
frustrated.  He  delayed  the  trip  until  April,  1770.  His 
work  in  Reading  and  at  Tulpehocken  continued  until  the 
fall  of  1760.     In  the  fall  of  this  year  (1760)  he  accepted 


Q(y  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

a  second  call  to  Frederick,  Md.  In  1761  he  received  a 
call  from  Reading,  but  declined  it.  After  laboring  with 
success  in  Frederick  during  five  years,  he  accepted  a  call 
from  York,  Pa.,  in  November,  1765.  After  five  years  of 
labor  here  he  went  to  Europe  in  April,  1770,  without  re- 
signing at  York.  After  an  absence  of  one  and  one-half 
years,  he  returned  to  York  and  resumed  the  work  in  Oc- 
tober, 1771.  In  the  spring  of  1774  he  accepted  a  call 
from  the  new  congregation  at  Baltimore,  which  had  sep- 
arated from  the  old  church.  Here  Mr.  Otterbein  spent 
the  balance  of  his  life.  He  labored  here,  as  elsewhere, 
with  much  zeal  and  great  success.  He  was  a  man  of 
great  ability  and  earnest  piety.  He  advocated  a  positive 
Christianity.  The  United  Brethren  claim  him  as  the 
founder  of  their  Church,  but  this  is  an  error.  He  never 
left  the  Church  of  his  fathers.  The  U.  B.  Church  was 
organized  in  1800,  but  Otterbein  attended  the  meetings  of 
Coetus  in  1800  and  1806,  and  his  name  was  carried  on 
its  register  to  the  time  of  his  death  in  1813.  It  is  true, 
some  of  those  with  whom  he  affiliated  entered  the  new 
Church.  In  August,  1812,  Mr.  Otterbein  was  visited  by 
Rev.  Isaac  Gerhart,  to  whom  the  former  said  :  "  I  am 
also  a  member  of  the  Synod  of  the  German  Reformed 
Church,  but  cannot  attend  on  account  of  old  age." 

Mr.  Otterbein  died  on  Oct.  17,  1813,  aged  87  years,  4 
months  and  13  days.  He  was  buried  on  Oct.  19  in  front 
of  the  Reformed  church  on  Conway  street,  Baltimore.  He 
was  married  to  a  Miss  Hendel,  who  died  not  long  after 
their  marriage.     They  left  no  descendants. 

Several  years  ago  the  writer  stood  at  the  tomb  of  Mr. 
Otterbein.  A  large  marble  slab  covering  the  tomb  con- 
tains this  inscription  : 


FIRST    CHURCH.  67 

Hier  ruhen  die  Gebeine 

Des  verstorbenen 

Herrn  Wilhelni  Otterbein, 

Geboren  4.  Juni,  1726, 

Gestorben  17.  November,  1813, 

Alt  87  Ja'  re,  5  Monate,  13  Tage. 

'  Selig  sind  die  Todteu,  die  in   dem   Herrn  sterben.     Sie 

ruhen  von  ihrer  Arbeit  und  ihre  Werke  folgen  ihnen  nach." 

Mr.  Otterbein's  baptismal  name  was  Philip  William 
Otterbein,  but  according  to  a  common  German  custom  he 
used  only  his  second  name  William,  except  in  rare  cases. 

4.— Period  of  Waiting  1760-1765. 

AVith  the  removal  of  Rev.  Mr.  Otterbein  from  Tul- 
pehockeu  to  Frederick,  Md.,  the  period  of  supplies  from 
Coetus  to  the  Reading  congregation  ceased.  During  five 
years  there  are  only  occasional  references  in  the  Coetal 
minutes  to  the  Reading  congregation.  However  the  con- 
gregation was  still  supplied  with  preaching,  and  this  was 
partly  by  members  of  the  Coetus. 

At  the  Coetus  meeting  of  1761,  held  at  Lancaster,  Pa,, 
on  June  24,  Rev.  William  Stoy,  who  had  been  appointed 
to  visit  the  congregations  and  report  their  condition, 
brought  in  the  following  report  about  Reading  :  "At 
Reading  they  need  a  pastor,  but  to  provide  them  with  one 
is  very  hard,  and  almost  impossible.  Some  indeed  desire 
to  make  out  a  call,  but  other  members  are  not  yet  ready 
to  vote  for  that.  And  thus  we  must  continue  the  former 
arrangement,  to  supply  the  congregation  by  one  or  another 
member  of  the  Coetus,  till  some  one  else  can  be  found." 

At  this  same  meeting  of  the  Coetus  appeared  a  dele- 
gate from  Reading  with  a  request  from  the  congregation 


68  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

there  aud  the  congregation  at  Oley  that  they  might  have 
Rev.  Mr.  Otterbein  as  their  pastor.  Mr.  Otterbein,  how- 
ever, declared  that  he  could  not  possibly  leave  Frederick 
without  a  sufficient  cause  and  accept  another  congregation. 

It  is  remarkable  that  whilst  being  without  a  regular 
pastor,  or  even  a  stated  supply  so  far  as  is  known,  the 
Reading  congregation  in  1761  erected  the  large  and  sub- 
stantial stone  church,  which  is  described  elsewhere.  This 
fact  shows  that  the  congregation  was  quite  active  at  the 
time. 

Rev.  John  AValdschmid  supplied  the  congregation  for 
some  time  during  this  period.  When  he  commenced  we 
do  not  know,  but  he  ceased  his  labors  in  the  latter  part  of 
October,  1762.  In  his  journal  he  says,  "On  Oct.  5, 1762, 
I  once  more  administered  the  communion  to  32  persons 
in  Reading.  Three  weeks  later  I  preached  there  for  the 
last  time,  because  Rev.  Mr.  Kals  had  on  the  twenty-sixth 
day  of  September  installed  himself  as  minister  in  Read- 
ing, wherefore  I  gave  up  the  congregation  aud  made  room 
for  him." 

Rev.  John  Wm.  Kals  was  born  in  the  year  1700  in 
the  county  of  Julich,  Germany.  He  studied  in  Holland, 
matriculating  in  the  University  of  Leyden  on  August  25, 
1745.  After  finishing  his  theological  studies  he  entered 
the  service  of  the  Dutch  Church,  going  as  missionary  to 
Surinam,  in  the  West  Indies.  But  owing  to  charges  pre- 
ferred against  him  there,  he  returned  to  Holland.  He 
came  to  America  in  1758,  with  recommendations  from 
Rev.  Dr.  Chandler.  He  must  have  known  of  the  rela- 
tions existing  between  the  Church  in  America  aud  the 
fathers  in  Holland,  and  yet   he  brought  no  papers  from 


FIRST   CHURCH.  69 

the  latter  with  him.  The  congregation  in  Philadelphia 
elected  him  as  pastor,  and  Kals  applied  to  the  Coetus  for 
membership,  but  was  refused.  He  therefore  left  Phila- 
delphia, after  a  short  stay  of  about  six  weeks,  and  went  to 
Amwell,  N.  J.,  where  he  became  pastor  of  the  Reformed 
church,  1758-1759.  From  Amwell  Mr.  Kals  went  to 
New  York,  where  he  served  the  German  Reformed  church, 
1759-1760.  During  the  absence  of  Rev.  Mr.  Alsentz 
from  Germantown,  he  preached  there  in  1762.  He  was 
represented  as  "  a  man  with  only  one  eye,  old  and  feeble." 

In  the  report  of  the  annual  settlement  of  January  20, 
1763,  it  is  stated  that  there  was  a  balance  of  8  pounds,  18 
shillings  and  6  pence.  Peter  Feder,  one  of  the  four  dea- 
cons whose  names  are  given,  took  8  pounds  of  this  bal- 
ance and  paid  it  for  pastor's  salary.  The  probability  is 
that  this  money  was  paid  to  Rev.  Mr.  Kals. 

At  the  meeting  of  Coetus  in  1764  Reading  is  again 
reported  as  being  vacant,  together  with  a  number  of  other 
places.  The  record  of  March  10,  1764,  states  that  the 
receipts  from  Jan.  20,  1763,  to  March  10, 1764,  amounted 
to  20  pounds,  10  shillings  and  lOi^  pence.  The  record 
states  that  "  this  amount  was  applied  to  the  bell."  This 
shows  that  no  money  was  paid  to  a  preacher  in  1763. 
One  reason  for  this  may  have  been  the  fact  that  the  stone 
church,  which  was  commenced  in  1761,  was  not  yet  com- 
pleted. 

In  1764  Rev.  John  George  Alsentz  supplied  the  con- 
gregation for  some  time.  This  is  shown  by  two  facts  of 
record.  On  March  5,  1759,  Conrad  Weiser  and  Isaac 
Levan  as  trustees  conveyed  lots  421  and  424  to  the  con- 
gregation.    On  the  back  of  this  deed  the  writer  discovered 


70  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

this  interesting  statement:  "May  13,  1704.  The  first 
sermon  was  preached  in  the  new  church  on  the  within 
mentioned  lots  by  George  Alsentz,  minister  of  the  gos- 
pel." Secondly,  the  minutes  of  the  Coetus  of  1765  state 
that  Rev.  Mr.  Alsentz  had  visited  Reading  and  other 
places  in  1 764.  How  long  Mr.  Alsentz  supplied  Reading 
cannot  be  stated.  There  appears  to  have  been  consider- 
able preaching  during  the  year,  as  indicated  by  the 
amount  of  expenses,  but  by  whom  cannot  be  stated,  unless 
it  was  by  Mr.  Alsentz. 

Rev.  John  George  Alsentz  was  sent  to  America  by  the 
fathers  of  Holland  in  1757,  and  was  immediately  by  Coe- 
tus located  at  Germantown,  where  he  lived  and  labored. 
From  this  place  he  at  various  times  supplied  Amwell, 
N.  J.,  and  Wentz's  and  Bohm's  in  Pennsylvania.  He 
was  active  in  the  erection  of  the  Wentz  church,  which  was 
dedicated  Nov.  13,  1763.  In  the  latter  part  of  1761  or 
beginning  of  1762  he  made  a  trip  to  Europe,  and  appeared 
before  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam  on  Feb.  4,  1762.  He 
returned  to  Germantown  in  October,  1762.  In  1765  Mr. 
Alsentz  reported  to  Coetus  that  he  had  visited  Reading 
and  other  places.  This  confirms  the  statement  on  the 
back  of  the  deed  that  he  preached  the  first  sermon  in  the 
new  church  in  Reading.  In  1766  he  reports  to  Coetus 
that  he  had  now  been  nine  years  in  Germantown,  and  was 
serving  ninety  families  there.  He  also  rejKirts  for  Bohm's 
and  Wentz's. — In  September,  1767,  Coetus  reports  the 
absence  of  Mr.  Alsentz  on  account  of  severe  sickness.  He 
died  on  Oct.  25,  1767.  (See  Coetus  Minutes,  p.  27().) 
The  statement  in  "  Fathers  of  the  Reformed  Church"  that 
he  died  in  1 7(59  is  an  error. 


FIRST   CHURCH.  71 

Mr.  Alsentz  died  comparatively  young.  He  was  mar- 
ried to  Hauuali,  daughter  of  Peter  Weutz.  They  left  no 
children.     He  was  a  good  and  pious  man. 

During  1765  the  Reading  congregation  continued  va- 
cant. At  the  meeting  of  the  Coetus  in  Lancaster  a  num- 
ber of  congregations  made  requests  for  ministers,  among 
them  Reading.  The  Coetus  expected  the  arrival  of  some 
ministers  from  Europe,  and  promised  to  send  supplies  as 
soon  as  possible.  In  this  year  Rev.  John  Waldschmid 
once  more  appears  as  supplying  the  congregation.  In  his 
journal  he  says  :  "  I  administered  the  holy  communion  in 
Reading  on  May  26,  1765,  on  Whitsunday  to  70  persons." 
It  appears  that  when  the  Reading  people  could  find  no 
one  else  to  supply  them,  they  turned  to  Mr.  Waldschmid, 
and  he  responded  to  their  entreaties.  The  above  is  the 
last  reference  to  Reading  in  his  journal. 

At  last  the  period  of  waiting  and  irregular  supplies 
came  to  an  end,  when  in  the  fall  of  1765  four  ministers 
arrived  from  Holland  in  response  to  the  earnest  and  re- 
peated solicitations  of  the  Coetus.  One  of  these,  Rev. 
Fred.  J.  Berger,  was  to  be  the  first  regular  minister  at 
Reading. 


CHAPTER  V. 

SETTLED  PASTORS. 

AVitli  the  year  1765  the  Reformed  congregation  at 
Reading  entered  upon  a  new  era  of  its  existence.  Hither- 
to it  had  been  served  by  irregular  ministers  and  supplies, 
but  in  the  year  1765  came  the  first  regular  Reformed 
minister  to  Reading  who  lived  among  his  people — Rev. 
F.  J.  Berger. 

1.— Rev.  F.  J.  Berger,  1765-1768. 

The  Reformed  Coetus  convened  for  a  special  meeting 
on  Oct.  16,  1765,  at  Philadelphia  to  receive  the  four 
newly  arrived  ministers,  sent  over  by  the  Holland  Church, 
and  to  assign  them  their  future  fields  of  labor.  These 
men  were  Frederick  Louis  Henop,  fvom  Kaiserslautern ; 
John  Jacob  Zufall,  from  Obervorschiitz  in  Hessia  ;  Nicho- 
las Pomp  and  Frederick  Julius  Berger,  from  Zweibriicken. 

Mr.  Berger  was  appointed  by  Coetus  to  go  to  Read- 
ing. Like  Pomp,  he  was  born  at  Zweibriicken.  He  had 
studied  at  the  University  of  Basle,  where  he  matriculated 
on  October  22,  1760.  When  he  appeared  at  this  Coetus 
meeting,  he  was  asked  whether  he  was  willing  to  go  to 
Reading,  to  which  he  readily  assented.  The  delegate 
from  Reading  was  asked  whether  they  were  able  and  will- 
ing to  pay  him  his  salary.  Both  parties  agreed  to  wait 
with  the  fixing  of  the  salary  till   the  next  meeting  of  the 


ftev.  JOMNhMOYEft 

1904. 
PASTORS    OF    FIRST   CHURCH. 


FIRST   CHURCH.  73 

Coetus.  Meanwhile  Berger  agreed  to  go  to  Reading  on 
trial.  It  was  also  resolved  to  hold  the  next  meeting  of 
the  Coetus  for  the  first  time  in  Reading. 

In  the  following  year  (1766)  Berger  made  his  first 
report  about  his  work  and  the  condition  of  the  congrega- 
tion. He  reported  a  membership  of  140  families.  He 
had  baptized  during  the  year  60  and  confirmed  21,  while 
40  to  50  children  attended  the  parochial  school.  This  was 
certainly  a  very  good  report.  But  it  was  by  no  means 
the  full  extent  of  his  work.  From  the  church  records  at 
Cocalico  we  learn  that  he  served  that  congregation  for  two 
years  (1765-1766),  while  he  was  also  preaching  at  Muddy 
Creek.  Both  of  these  congregations  had  been  temporarily 
resigned  by  Waldschmid. 

In  the  settlement  of  the  deacons  on  Feb.  4,  1766,  the 
record  states  that  the  accounting  was  "  done  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  present  pastor,  Mr.  Berger."  This  is  the  only 
time  his  name  is  mentioned  in  the  record. 

The  financial  support  given  to  Mr.  Berger  does  not 
seem  to  have  been  adequate  to  his  needs,  »for  he  stated  on 
the  floor  of  Coetus  that  he  would  need  twelve  pounds 
more  in  order  to  live  at  Reading.  The  Coetus  excuses  his 
being  at  a  congregation  which  did  not  give  him  sufficient 
support  by  the  statement  that  he  was  satisfied  with  the 
congregation  and  the  congregation  with  him. 

It  was  most  unfortunate  that  after  waiting  a  long  time 
for  a  regular  pastor,  the  first  one  secured  was  a  poor  speci- 
men of  a  faithful  shepherd.  Rev.  Mr.  Berger  was  an  in- 
temperate man.  Already  at  the  first  meeting  of  the 
Coetus  after  his  having  been  settled  at  Reading,  which 
was  held  in  his  own  church  here,  a  paper  signed  by  many 

6 


74  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

mernbers  of  the  Muddy  Creek  congregatiou,  to  which 
Berger  also  ministered,  comph\iuiDg  about  his  conduct, 
was  laid  before  the  Coetus.  The  delegates,  however,  were 
satisfied  with  assurances  and  promises  of  better  conduct  in 
the  future.  When  the  next  Coetus  was  held,  Sept.  16, 
1767,  at  Lancaster,  the  complaints  against  Berger  were 
renewed.  At  this  time  the  people  at  Heading  joined  in 
complaining  about  him.  However,  they  declared  that 
they  would  gladly  forget  everything  if  Berger  would  only 
repent.  AVith  tears  in  his  eyes  Berger  promised  to  do 
better  hereafter,  and  on  the  demand  of  Coetus  he  even 
declared  himself  willing  publicly  before  his  congregation 
to  express  his  sorrow,  ask  forgiveness  and  promise  to  lead 
a  different  life.  This  he  did,  taking  as  his  text  1  Tim.  1  : 
15,  "Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  of 
whom  I  am  the  chief."  At  this  time  Coetus  threatened 
that  if  he  would  not  improve  his  conduct,  they  would  sus- 
pend him.  His  repentance,  however,  lasted  only  as  long 
as  he  was  before  his  brethren.  As  soou  as  he  came  back 
to  his  congregations  he  turned  from  bad  to  worse.  He 
became  a  confirmed  drunkard,  making  debts  everywhere, 
l)esides  being  profane.  A  committee  of  the  Coetus  ap- 
peared at  last  in  Reading,  in  response  to  numerous  letters 
of  the  congregation,  to  investigate  the  charges  against 
him.  They  found  them  only  too  true,  and  hence  they 
were  compelled  to  carry  out  the  threat  of  the  Coetus. 
They  suspended  Berger  until  the  next  Coetus  meeting. 
Again  he  promised  before  the  assembled  congregation  to 
lead  a  better  life,  but  all  his  good  resolutions  were  in  vain. 
When  his  creditors  heard  that  he  had  been  abandoned 
by  the  Coetus,  they  had  him    arrested  and  locked  up  in 


FIEST    CHURCH.  ^0 

jail.  On  the  false  pretense  that  Coetus  owed  him  enough 
money  to  pay  all  his  debts,  he  was  again  released.  As 
soon  as  he  came  out,  he  traveled  on  foot  to  Eastou,  a  dis- 
tance of  fifty  miles,  to  the  meeting  of  the  Goetus,  held 
Sept.  6-9,  1 768.  Here  he  acted  so  boisterously  that  he 
disturbed  the  meetings.  New  complaints  were  brought  in 
by  the  congregations,  and  as  a  result  Coetus  was  driven 
to  the  last  measure,  of  excluding  him  from  their  body  and 
deposing  him  from  the  ministry. 

Of  Berger's  later  life  and  of  his  death  we  know  noth- 
ing. 

The  Reading  congregation  was  now  once  more  vacant, 
after  an  unfortunate  experience  with  its  first  pastor. 

His  history  may  well  be  a  warning  as  to  the  evil 
results  of  the  habit  of  drinking.  There  were  indeed  in 
Berger  all  the  elements  of  a  better  uature,  but  they  were 
drowned  by  the  demon  of  drink.  And  when  he  had  once 
taken  hold  upon  him,  he  dragged  him  irresistibly  into 
ruin  and  shame.  His  life  is  a  blot  on  our  history,  but  one 
that  ought  not  to  be  without  its  great  and  important  les- 
sons. 

On  Sept.  20,  1769,  Berger  was  again  present  at  the 
Coetus,  held  in  Germantown,  asking  to  be  reinstalled  into 
his  office.  He  had  been  preaching  for  a  small  congrega- 
tion in  the  mountains  near  Reading,  which  had  no  connec- 
tion with  the  Goetus,  and  was  living  there  in  great  pov- 
erty. However,  as  there  were  no  signs  of  improvement 
in  his  life,  Coetus  refused  to  grant  his  request.  With  ex- 
pressions of  pity  and  well-meant  counsels  they  took  leave 
of  him.  He  disappeared  like  a  dark  cloud,  and  his  mis- 
takes were  soon  forgotten,  but  the  Reading  church  felt  for 


76  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

many  years  the  results  of  his  unfortunate  ministry.  Al- 
most half  of  the  members  left,  and  it  took  the  congrega- 
tion nearly  fifty  years  to  recover  her  old  strength.  What 
a  lesson  to  the  ministers  of  our  Church,  and  what  a  proof 
of  the  great  responsibilities  resting  upon  them  ! 

2.— Rev.  John  Conrad  Bucher,  1769-1770. 

After  the  departure  of  Berger  the  congregation  was 
without  a  minister  for  some  time,  till  the  summer  of  1769. 
Rev.  J.  C,  Bucher  took  it  upon  himself  to  supply  them 
with  occasional  preaching.  AVhen  Coetus  met  in  the  fall 
of  the  year,  the  congregation  asked  "  that  Rev.  Mr.  Bucher 
continue  to  supply  them  every  two  weeks,  as  he  lias  begun 
to  do  this  summer,  till  they  get  another  minister  who 
lives  in  Readingtown."     (Minutes  of  1769.) 

Bucher  was  the  very  opposite  of  Berger.  There  was 
no  better  nor  more  devoted  minister  in  the  Coetus  than 
he.  He  was  born  at  Schaffhauseu  on  June  13,  1730. 
His  father,  John  Jacob  Bucher,  became  Landvogt  (bur- 
gess) of  Neukirch,  near  Schaffhauseu,  in  1745.  He  had 
six  children,  of  whom  John  Conrad  was  the  third.  John 
Conrad  Bucher  received  a  good  education.  On  July  14, 
1752,  he  matriculated  in  the  university  at  Marburg. 
About  1755  he  came  to  this  country.  He  served  at  first 
in  the  army,  but  in  1763  he  resigned  his  commission  and 
began  to  preach.  In  1766  he  is  first  mentioned  in  the 
Coetal  minutes  as  preaching  in  Carlisle  and  neighborhood. 
In  the  following  year  he  accepted  Lebanon  in  addition  to 
his  first  congregations.  This  had  become  vacant  through 
the  death  of  Rev.  Frederick  Mueller.  In  course  of  time 
Mr.  Bucher  moved  to  Lebanon.     It  was  from  this  place 


FIRST   CHURCH.  77 

that  he  supplied  Reading  every  other  Sunday.  The  i>eo- 
ple  liked  him  so  much  that  at  the  Coetus  of  1770  in  Phil- 
adelphia "the  unfortunate  congregation  at  Reading,  which 
was  both  externally  and  internally  demoralized  by  Berg- 
er,  extended  a  call  to  Rev.  J.  C.  Bucher."  But  as  he 
was  not  present,  it  was  thought  best  to  leave  the  decision 
with  him,  as  he  was  best  acquainted  with  the  condition  of 
the  congregation.  When  Coetus  met  again  on  October  9, 
1771,  at  Reading,  we  learn  from  the  minutes  that  Mr. 
Bucher  had  declined  the  call,  and  the  congregation  after 
that  had  been  for  some  time  without  a  minister.  How 
long  Mr.  Bucher  supplied  Reading  is  not  known,  but  at 
least  till  September,  1770. 

3.— Rev.  John  W.  Boos,  1771-1781. 

Before  the  Reformed  Coetus  met  in  1771,  a  new  min- 
ister had  arrived  from  Holland,  Rev.  John  William  Boos. 
(The  original  form  of  his  family  name  is  no  doubt  Boas.) 
He  was  born  at  Otterberg  in  the  Palatinate  in  1 739.  He 
appeared  before  the  synodical  deputies  on  May  2,  1768. 
Then  he  studied  for  several  years  at  the  university  of  Ut- 
recht. The  news  of  his  intended  coming  had  preceded 
him,  and  as  many  Reformed  congregations  were  vacant, 
he  was  eagerly  awaited  by  Coetus  and  people.  But  when 
he  came  they  were  greatly  disappointed,  because  he  had 
no  letters  of  recommendation  from  the  fathers  in  Holland. 
The  reason  was,  according  to  the  minutes  of  the  synodical 
deputies,  his  inability  to  pass  the  required  examinations. 
When  this  fact  became  known  to  the  members  of  the 
Coetus,  they  refused  to  admit  him.  But  the  congregation 
at  Reading  was  so  anxious  to  secure  the  services  of  a  min- 


V8  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

ister  that  they  did  not  wait  for  the  action  of  Coetus,  but 
asked  Rev.  Mr.  Boos  immediately  to  become  their  pastor, 
to  which  he  readily  assented.  Soon  afterwards  a  commit- 
tee of  the  Coetus  appeared  in  Reading,  consisting  of  Gross, 
Hendel,  Bucher  and  Gobrecht.  They  advised  the  congre- 
gation to  dismiss  Boos,  because  he  had  not  been  sent  by 
the  Holland  synods.  But  all  their  pleas  were  in  vain. 
The  people  presented  their  need  so  urgently  that  the  com- 
mittee finally  allowed  Boos  to  stay  with  them.  This  ac- 
tion was  confirmed  by  Coetus  in  1771,  after  the  people 
had  given  Boos  a  regular  call.  This  permission,  however, 
did  not  imply  the  reception  of  Mr.  Boos  into  the  Coetus. 

The  report  laid  before  Coetus  at  this  time  concerning 
his  conduct  and  preaching  was  very  favorable.  He  him- 
self presented  the  following  parochial  report:  80  families, 
38  baptisms,  40  confirmed,  £75  salary  and  86  scholars  in 
the  parochial  school.  In  comparing  the  reports  of  1766 
and  1771,  we  can  see  how  greatly  the  congregation  had 
suffered  through  the  ministry  of  Berger.  About  60  fam- 
ilies had  left  them,  and  no  doubt  joined  other  congrega- 
tions. 

In  the  year  1772  Boos  was  allowed  to  serve  Cacusi  or 
Heidelberg  (now  Haiu's  church  at  Wernersville).  He 
preached  for  them  every  third  Sunday.  His  people  in 
Reading  objected  at  first  to  this  arrangement,  but  Coetus 
decided  "  that  as  long  as  this  congregation  had  love  and 
affection  for  him,  he  should  serve  it."  The  congregation 
at  Reading  petitioned  Coetus  again  at  this  meeting  to 
allow  Boos  to  preach  for  them  another  year,  and  receive 
him  as  a  member  of  Coetus.  The  congregation  received 
the  following  reply : 


FIRST   CHURCH.  79 

"  That  the  Rev.  Coetus  by  virtue  of  the  last  letter 
from  the  fathers  concerning  Mr.  Boos,  could  not  care  for 
him,  much  less  admit  him  into  the  Coetus  without  further 
and  more  favorable  news  from  the  Rev.  fathers  in  regard 
to  him.  But  Mr.  Boos  shall  be  left  to  them  in  order  to 
perform  the  duties  relating  to  their  divine  service  as  long 
as  no  complaints  come  against  him,  and  Mr.  Boos  suc- 
ceeds in  edifying  them." 

There  are  no  references  to  Reading  in  the  Coetal  min- 
utes from  1773-1776.  Boos  was  no  member  of  Coetus, 
and  hence  neither  attended  its  meetings  nor  sent  in  any 
reports. 

In  1777  Coetus  met  for  the  third  time  at  Reading,  on 
April  28  and  29.  In  the  Coetal  letter  of  that  year  the 
officers  of  Coetus  report  "  the  blessed  and  prosperous  con- 
dition of  the  church  at  Reading."  Writing  of  Mr.  Boos, 
they  said  : 

"  By  the  assistance  of  the  Most  High  and  by  extraor- 
dinary zeal  and  diligence  in  all  parts  of  his  excellent  min- 
istry among  them  he  has  brought  the  congregation  to  such 
order  that  it  is  second  to  none  of  the  congregations  in 
America.  Mr.  Boos  is  at  present  a  learned  and  brave 
warrior  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  a  blameless  walk  in  life. 
Not  only  liked  by  the  whole  congregation  at  Reading,  but 
likewise  all  the  members  of  Coetus  treat  him  with  special 
esteem  and  friendship.  Therefore  we  all  beg  of  the  Rev. 
fathers  to  kindly  accept  Mr.  Boos,  since  it  would  be  to  the 
disadvantage  of  the  Church  in  this  country  to  refuse  such 
a  worthy  and  sincere  servant  of  Jesus  Christ." 

The  answer  of  the  fathers  in  Holland  was  not  favor- 
able to  this  earnest  and  eloquent  request,  and  hence  the 
congregation  was  again  left  to  itself  and  its  minister,  leav- 
ing no  record  in  the  Coetal  minutes.  This  silence  is  brok- 
en in  the  minutes  of  1782,  which  inform  us  "  that  the  con- 


80  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

gregation  at  Reading,  which  Rev.  Boos  was  finally  com- 
pelled to  leave,  is  permitted  to  call  another  minister." 
This  agrees  with  the  church  record,  which  shows  that  the 
last  entry  by  Rev.  Boos  was  made  Dec.  8,  1781.  Per- 
haps he  left  with  the  end  of  the  year.  The  reason  for  his 
sudden  departure  seems  to  have  been  his  conduct,  as  we 
learn  from  the  minutes  of  1789,  which  state  "that  his 
conduct  was  the  same  as  before,  namely  bad."  The  sun, 
which  had  risen  so  brightly,  again  set  behind  the  clouds. 

Reading:  was  thus  for  the  second  time  unfortunate  with 
its  pastor.  The  later  conduct  of  Mr.  Boos  is  much  to  be 
regretted.  He  had  been  very  successful  in  his  work  dur- 
ins:  a  number  of  vears,  but  then  became  demoralized,  and 
had  to  be  discharged.  He  afterwards  preached  to  some 
independent  congregations  in  Berks  county.  There  are 
no  records  at  hand  of  his  ministry  in  Reading.  He  with 
the  members  of  the  consistory  signed  the  record  of  the 
annual  settlements  from  1771  to  1781  inclusive. 

The  following  story  is  related  of  Rev.  Mr.  Boos.  AVe 
have  heard  it  repeatedly.  The  father-in-law  of  the  writer, 
who  a  number  of  times  stopped  at  Fasig's  hotel  in  Read- 
ing (now  Berks  County  House)  in  the  early  part  of  the 
nineteenth  century  on  his  way  with  his  father  to  market 
in  Philadelphia,  was  then  told  the  story.  Rev.  Mr.  Boos 
resided  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Ninth  and  Penn  streets, 
and  frequently  married  young  couples  from  the  country. 
On  one  occasion  he  was  called  to  marry  a  runaway  couple 
in  the  hotel.  Prompt  action  was  required,  as  the  father 
of  the  bride  was  in  pursuit  of  the  couple.  The  parson 
told  the  couple  to  stand  up,  and  he  was  just  about  begin- 
ning the  ceremony   when  the   father   entered    the    room. 


FIRST  CHURCH.  81 

Parson  Boos  by  au  act  of  strategy  foiled  him.  Just  as  the 
father  entered  Mr.  Boos  said  "a men,"  and  told  him  he 
was  too  late,  the  ceremony  being  over.  The  father,  see- 
ing himself  defeated,  turned  around  and  left  the  room, 
and  then  Mr.  Boos  married  the  young  people. 

One  of  the  praiseworthy  acts  of  Rev.  ]Mr.  Boos  \vas 
his  refusal  to  ordain  the  notorious  and  wicked  Cyriacus 
Spangenburg  to  the  ministry. 

4.— Rev.  J.  W.  G.  Neveling,  1782-1783. 

We  now  come  to  the  history  of  the  most  heroic  and 
the  most  unfortunate  Reformed  minister  of  Reading — Rev. 
John  Wesley  Gilbert  Neveling.  From  the  minutes  of 
1771  we  learn  that  he  was  a  cousin  of  Rev.  Casper  Wey- 
berg.  He  was  born  in  Westphalia,  Germany,  in  the  year 
1750,  and  came  to  this  country  in  1763,  if  he  came  with 
Rev.  AVeyberg,  as  Dr.  Harbaugh  states.  He  was  in- 
structed by  Weyberg  and  Gross  until  1771,  when  he  first 
appeared  before  Coetus.  In  that  year  the  congregation  at 
Am  well.  New  Jersey,  laid  a  call  for  Neveling  before  Coe- 
tus, who  had  been  preaching  for  them  at  times  and  given 
good  satisfaction.  Coetus  examined  him,  and  then 
allowed  him  to  continue  preaching,  promising  him  that  if 
he  proved  himself  worthy,  he  should  be  ordained  after  the 
consent  of  the  fathers  in  Holland  had  been  obtained. 
This  ordination  took  place  in  July,  1772,  when  with  five 
other  candidates,  Steiner,  Schwab,  Wack,  Wagner  and 
Weber,  he  was  installed  into  the  sacred  office.  As  the 
permission  of  the  fathers  in  Holland  had  not  been  ob- 
tained for  this  act,  they  were  at  first  much  displeased  with 
it,  and  for  a  time  would  not  recognize  the  newly  ordained 


82  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

ministers  as  members  of  the  Coetus,  but  finally  they 
yielded  to  the  earnest  entreaties  of  the  Coetus. 

During  the  War  of  the  Revolution  Xeveling  served  in 
the  army  as  chaplain,  and  was  held  in  the  highest  esteem 
by  Gen.  Washington.  As  an  evidence  of  the  important 
influence  he  exerted,  it  may  be  mentioned  that  the  British 
government  offered  a  large  reward  for  his  apprehension, 
and  that  on  one  occasion  Washington  placed  a  troop  of 
horses  at  his  disposal  to  protect  him  against  those  who 
sought  his  life.  After  the  war  he  returned  to  his  congre- 
gation in  New  Jersey.  Here  he  remained  till  1782,  when 
he  accepted  a  call  from  Reading.  He  came  to  Reading 
either  in  the  fall  or  winter  of  1782.  Of  his  ministry  in 
this  congregation  hardly  anything  is  known.  Not  even 
his  name  occurs  in  the  old  church  record.  However,  his 
ministry  at  Reading  is  not  only  proved  by  the  explicit 
statement  of  the  Coetal  minutes  of  1783,  "  D.  Neveling 
left  Amwell  in  New  Jersey  and  Avent  to  Reading,"  but 
also  by  his  report  about  the  Reading  congregation,  which 
he  made  in  that  year.  He  reported  100  families,  12  bap- 
tisms, 10  confirmed  and  75  children  in  the  parochial 
school.  It  is  stated  that  he  was  a  man  of  noble  presence 
and  commanding  pulpit  talent. 

But  Mr.  Neveling  had  hardly  been  in  Reading  a  year, 
apparently  very  successful  in  his  work,  when  his  useful 
ministry  was  cut  short  by  a  sad  accident.  One  day,  as  he 
was  riding  on  horseback,  probably  to  one  of  his  country 
congregations,  with  a  pipe  in  his  mouth,  the  horse  stumbled 
and  fell,  pushing  the  stem  of  the  pipe  so  violently  into  his 
throat  that  it  injured  his  vocal  organs  and  permanently 
disabled  him  from  preaching  again.     Thus  he  was  cut  off 


FIRST   CHURCH.  83 

in  the  prime  of  his  life,  and  after  a  few  years  paralysis 
lamed  him  completely.  Some  years  later  he  also  became 
blind.  Henceforth  he  remained  a  helpless  invalid  for 
more  than  sixty  years  !  But  the  full  measure  of  his  suf- 
ferings was  not  yet  exhausted,  for  another  aflliction  soon 
befel  him.  When  the  War  of  tlie  Revokition  broke  out 
and  Continental  Congress  was  sorely  in  need  of  money,  he 
turned  all  his  property  into  cash,  and  loaned  the  gov'ern- 
ment  the  whole  sum,  amounting  to  §25,000,  receiving 
only  the  certificate  of  Congress  as  his  security.  Of  this 
he  was  in  some  way  defrauded,  and  as  a  result  lost  all  his 
money,  which  reduced  him  to  absolute  poverty.  By  the 
noble  efforts  of  his  brethren  in  the  ministry  he  and  his 
large  family  were  kept  from  starvation.  This  noble  pa- 
triot and  champion  of  American  liberty,  ready  to  sacrifice 
all  his  possessions  for  the  cause  of  his  country,  died  as  a 
very  old  man  of  94  years  in  Philadelphia  on  Jan.  18, 
1844. 

We  know  no  similar  case  in  the  Reformed  ministry  of 
such  long,  severe  and  patient  suffering.  The  Coetus  aided 
him  as  much  as  it  could  with  its  scanty  means.  In  1789 
it  gave  him  £7  10s.  In  its  report  to  Holland  the  Coetus 
in  1790  states  that  "  Mr.  Neveling  is  still  in  very  wretched 
circumstances,  and  a  burden  to  us." 

After  the  accident  which  befel  Rev.  Mr.  Neveling  in 
the  fall  of  1783,  the  congregation  was  once  more  vacant 
for  a  considerable  length  of  time.  It  was  probably  sup- 
plied by  neighboring  ministers. 

Some  time  later  the  congregation  called  Rev.  Fred.  L. 
Henop,  of  Frederick,  Md.,  and  he  accepted  the  call.  This 
was  in  the  fiill  of  1 784.     But  before   Mr.    Henop   could 


84  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

leave  Frederick  and  start  for  Reading  he  was  suddeoly 
taken  sick  and  died  in  the  hitter  part  of  October  of  the 
year  1784.  Hence  the  congregation  was  without  a  minis- 
ter until  the  meeting  of  Coetus  in  the  next  year.  "Whether 
during  this  vacancy  they  were  served  by  neighboring  min- 
isters, is  not  known,  but  probable. 

5.— Rev.  Bernhard  Willy,  1785-1786. 

When  Coetus  met  on  April  27,  1785,  at  Reading, 
three  new  ministers  (Loretz,  Willy  and  Pernisius),  who 
had  arrived  from  Holland,  were  appointed  to  different 
congregations.  The  congregation  at  Reading  called  one 
of  them,  Bernhard  Willy,  to  be  their  minister.  He,  to- 
gether with  Loretz,  had  arrived  in  Baltimore  on  Dec.  21, 
1784.  As  they  were  without  any  means  to  continue  their 
journey,  the  elders  of  the  Baltimore  congregation  not  only 
paid  their  bill  at  the  inn  "  To  the  Green  Tree,"  but  also 
sent  them  to  Pennsylvania  on  four  horses.  According  to 
the  church  records  of  the  Baltimore  church  they  spent 
£23  for  their  entertainment.  AVilly  likely  went  to  Read- 
ing immediately,  for  he  reported  at  this  Coetus  meeting 
sixteen  baptisms  and  24  catechumens.  He  signed  the 
financial  statement  of  April  20,  1785.  The  financial 
standing  and  strength  of  the  congregation  had  much  im- 
proved since  Mr.  Berger  complained  of  not  receiving 
enough  salary  in  176G.  Five  years  later,  in  1771,  they 
were  able  to  give  Rev.  Boos  £85  or  about  $250,  and  in 
1785  Rev.  Willy  reports  a  salary  of  £133  or  about  ^322, 
certainly  a  large  sum  for  those  times.  When  the  call 
from  Reading  was  laid  before  Coetus,  it  was  decided  to 
confirm  the  call  at  the  next  Coetus  meeting,  after  the  con- 


FIRST   CHURCH.  85 

ditiou  of  the  cougregation  had  been  investigated.  But 
the  call  was  never  confirmed.  Even  before  the  end  of 
the  year  Willy  entered  upon  a  course  of  action  which  fin- 
ally caused  his  deposition  from  the  ministry  and  expulsion 
from  the  Coetus.  The  facts  of  his  case  are  given  in  a 
special  report  which  Coetus  sent  to  Holland  in  1786. 
Shortly  after  his  arrival  in  Reading  he  stated  to  his  elders 
that  his  wife  had  died  in  the  previous  year  in  Switzerland. 
In  proof  of  this  statement  he  showed  them  a  certificate  of 
her  death.  Of  course  everybody  accepted  his  statement 
as  being  true,  till  some  time  in  December  it  began  to  be 
rumored  that  his  certificate  was  forged.  An  investigation 
was  made  by  the  elders,  and  the  suspicion  was  shown  to 
be  well  founded.  The  certificate  proved  to  be  an  evident 
forgery,  as  it  bore  the  water  mark  of  one  of  the  paper 
mills  in  the  neighborhood  of  Reading. 

On  Jan.  10,  1786,  Willy  crowned  his  false  statement 
by  a  false  act,  which  fully  explained  why  it  had  been 
made.  He  went  to  Muddy  Creek,  and  married  a  woman 
at  that  place.  Meanwhile  a  letter  arrived  from  his  first 
wife,  who  with  one  child  was  still  living  in  Chur,  the 
capital  of  the  canton  of  Graubiiuden  (Orisons)  in  Switzer- 
land. When  Willy  returned  from  his  wedding  trip  to 
Reading,  he  was  met  by  the  elders,  who  refused  to  allow 
him  to  enter  their  church  again.  A  committee  of  Coetus 
was  summoned  to  Reading,  consisting  of  Hendel,  Delliker 
and  Helifrich,  to  investigate  the  case,  and  when  they  found 
these  charges  to  be  true,  they  passed  the  resolution  "  that 
Willy  was  no  longer  fit  to  be  a  minister,  and  hence  the 
elders  had  done  right  in  forbidding  him  to  preach."  His 
ministry  was  thus  of  short  duration,  not  over  one  year, 
and  possibly  less. 


86  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Mr,  Willy  was  a  well  educated  mau.  It  is  stated  that 
he  had  served  as  a  minister  in  his  native  country,  Grau- 
biinden,  Switzerland.  After  leaving  Reading  he  went  to 
Virginia,  and  for  some  time  taught  a  German  and  Eng- 
lish school.  Subsequently  he  preached  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  May,  1810.  When  he  preached  his 
last  sermon  he  was  so  weak  that  he  had  to  crawl  on  hands 
and  feet  into  the  pulpit.  He  was  buried  at  Woodstock, 
Virginia. 

At  the  meeting  of  Coetus  on  May  17,  1786,  Reading 
with  several  other  congregations  again  applied  to  Coetus 
for  a  minister.  Coetus  was  especially  anxious  to  supply 
Reading,  because,  as  the  minutes  say,  "this  congrega- 
tion was  so  very  unfortunate  with  bad  ministers  for  more 
than  twenty  years."  At  this  time  the  vacancy  lasted  till 
November,  1786.  Then  a  new  minister  came  to  take 
charge  of  the  congregation,  but  the  hope  of  Coetus  that 
he  might  be  a  better  man,  was  not  fulfilled. 

It  is  sad  to  see  that  some  of  the  early  ministers  were 
unworthy  men,  but  the  fact  that  Coetus  disciplined  them 
is  evidence  that  that  body  was  composed  of  good  and 
earnest  Christian  men,  who  labored  zealously  for  the 
spread  of  God's  kingdom.  The  bad  character  of  some  of 
the  ministers  must  have  been  particularly  painful  to  them, 
because  of  the  great  need  of  faithful  laborers. 

6.— Rev.  John  William  Ingold,  1786-1788. 

Mr.  Ingold  was  born  at  Simmern  in  the  Palatinate. 
He  matriculated  at  the  Heidelberg  University  on  August 
4,  1754.  He  was  ordained  at  Heidelberg,  May  10,  1762. 
After  serving  for  some  time  as  minister  in  the  Palatinate, 


FIRST    CHURCH.  87 

he  applied  to  the  Synods  of  Holland,  and  was  commis- 
sioned for  Pennsylvania  in  June,  1774.  He  came  to 
this  country  in  the  fall  of  1774.  From  that  year  till 
1790  he  is  mentioned  in  the  ©octal  minutes,  serving  in 
these  sixteen  years  not  less  than  -seven  different  charges. 
His  whole  ministry  was  filled  with  troubles  and  quarrels. 
He  paid  no  regard  either  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Coetus 
or  the  wishes  of  the  church  members.  Hence  he  was  con- 
stantly in  difficulty.  The  verdict  which  Coetus  passed  on 
his  ministry  was  expressed  in  these  words  :  "  Rev.  Ingold 
during  his  stay  with  us  has  not  conducted  himself  to  the 
satisfaction  of  his  brethren."     (Minutes  of  1781.) 

Mr.  Ingold  left  Holland  in  1774  and  arrived  in  Amer- 
ica in  the  fall  of  the  same  year.  Witpen  and  Worcester 
in  Montgomery  county  were  then  vacant.  He  accepted 
these  without  the  knowledge  of  Coetus,  but  quarreled 
with  his  congregations  about  his  salary  at  the  end  of  the 
year,  and  was  compelled  to  leave.  Then  his  brethren 
took  pity  on  him  and  sent  him  to  Saucon,  but  he  remained 
only  a  short  time  and  then  left  for  Easton  in  1776.  How- 
ever only  one  of  the  congregations  belonging  to  the  charge 
accepted  him.  Soon  he  lost  the  confidence  of  his  people, 
and  was  ev^en  persecuted  till  he  left  in  1780.  Goshen- 
hoppeu  was  vacant  at  that  time.  Ingold  offered  his  ser- 
vices to  them  for  as  much  salary  as  they  might  be  willing 
to  give  him.  He  appears  to  have  been  the  first  minister 
to  "  preach  for  what  falls,"  an  unfortunate  system  which 
afterwards  prevailed  largely.  He  preached  in  the  two 
smaller  congregations  of  the  charge,  but  New  Goshenhop- 
pen  refused  to  have  anything  to  do  with  him.  In  spite 
of  their  protests  Ingold  came  into  the  charge.     He  per- 


eo  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH, 

formed  his  first  baptism  in  Old  Goshenhoppeu  ou  August 
30,  1780.  His  coming  caused  the  greatest  disorder, 
which  a  committee  of  the  Coetus  in  vain  tried  to  over- 
come. Ingold  opposed  all  their  efforts.  Finally  Coetus 
resolved  in  1781  that  he  should  submit  to  an  election,  and 
threatened  him  with  exclusion  if  he  would  try  to  prevent 
it.  The  election  must  have  been  unfavorable  to  him,  for 
he  left  towards  the  close  of  1781. 

From  Goshenhoppen  Ingold  went  again  to  Easton. 
Judging  from  his  parochial  report  of  1785  he  was  now 
more  successful.  He  reported  of  his  four  congrega- 
tions comprising  the  charge  (Easton,  Greenwich,  Dry- 
land and  Plainfield),  116  families,  114  baptisms,  39  con- 
firmed, 4  schools  and  117  scholars,  and  75  pounds  salary. 

Ingold  left  Easton  in  November  of  1786  and  came  to 
Reading.  The  writer  has  been  fortunate  enough  to'  dis- 
cover the  call  of  the  Reading  church  to  him.  It  is  dated 
September  14,  1786,  "  in  Reading  im  Oberamt  Barks." 
There  is  a  preamble  which  states  that  after  the  Lord  had 
for  some  time  punished  the  High  German  Reformed  con- 
gregation in  Reading  through  unworthy  preachers,  and  by 
leaving  it  for  some  time  vacant,  He  had  again  shown  His 
mercy  by  giving  it  a  she})herd  in  tlie  person  of  Rev.  John 
William  Ingold,  who  had  accepted  their  call.  He  was  to 
preach  every  Sunday  morning  and  on  all  festival  days.  He 
was  to  receive  for  his  support  130  pounds  of  Pennsylvania 
currency,  the  free  use  of  the  parsonage  and  ten  cords  of 
wood  per  year.  The  call  was  to  be  regarded  as  a  con- 
tract, to  be  in  force  as  long  as  both  parties  were  satisfied. 
In  case  of  dissatisfaction  either  party  was  competent  to 
dissolve  the  contract.     The   hope  is  expressed    that    the 


FIRST   CHURCH.  89 

Lord  might  ^o  reign  in  the  hearts  of  both  pastor  and  people 
that  the  contract  would  continue  in  force  during  the  life  of 
the  pastor.  Unfortunately  this  pious  wish  was  not  ful- 
filled. The  pastoral  relation  continued  only  eighteen 
mouths.  The  call  is  signed  by  John  Hartman,  Kraft 
Hiiner,  Jacob  Yeager,  Philip  Miller,  George  Riehm, 
Dan.  Zacharias,  Peter  Nagle,  John  Schnell,  Geo.  Yeager, 
B.  Feather,  Conrad  Fasig,  Dan.  Rose,  Dan.  Levan  and 
Joseph  Hiester.  (The  name  of  the  latter  is  always  signed 
in  English  letters.)  The  call  is  approved  by  the  Coetus, 
and  the  approval  is  signed  by  Fred.  Dellicker,  president 
pro  tem.,  and  Albert  Helffenstein,  secretary  pro  tem.  The 
approval  bears  no  date. 

During  Mr.  Ingold's  ministry  here  the  oldest  minute 
book  of  the  consistory  still  at  hand  was  started,  viz.,  at 
the  meeting  on  Jan.  8,  1787.  The  minutes  of  this  meet- 
ing are  signed  by  Rev.  Mr.  Ingold  and  the  members.  At 
this  meetiug  an  earnest  effort  was  made  to  place  the  con- 
gregation upon  a  better  footing.  The  minutes  state  that 
it  was  considered  proper  to  elect  a  "  cashier"  (treasurer), 
and  Mr.  Jacob  Weynig  was  unanimously  chosen. 

At  the  next  Coetus  meeting,  in  Lancaster  on  June  5, 
1787,  Mr.  Ingold  was  present  and  reported  about  the  con- 
gregation at  Reading:  100  families,  21  baptized,  21  con- 
firmed, 40  in  the  school.  But  his  ministry  in  Reading 
was  not  successful.  It  was  only  rich  in  quarrels,  and 
after  serving  the  congregation  for  a  year  and  a  half  he 
was  compelled  to  leave.  Singularly  he  left  the  town  on 
the  same  day  that  Coetus  met  in  the  church  in  Reading, 
viz.,  on  April  23,  1788.  Coetus  does  not  want  to  put  all 
the  blame  on  him,  but  remarks  "  that  a  repulsive  conduct 
7 


90  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

is  likely  to  bring  about  such  consequences."  The  congre- 
gation at  this  time  asked  permission  to  call  another  min- 
ister, which  was  gladly  granted  them.  Mr.  Ingold  went 
to  Indianfield,  Tohickon  and  Trumbauers,  but  stayed  only 
a  few  years.  At  the  meeting  of  Coetus  in  1790  he  had 
again  left  these  congregations,  and  with  them  also  the 
Coetus.  He  appears  only  once  more  in  the  official  docu- 
ments of  our  Church,  but  only  to  make  his  separation 
from  the  Church  complete  and  final.  In  1801  synod 
notified  him  that  by  his  continued  absence  he  had  excluded 
himself  from  the  Church.     (Minutes  of  1801,  §  4.) 

7.— Rev.  J.  W.  Boos  (Second  Pastorate),  1789-1792. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Ingold  left  Reading  on  April  23,  1788. 
How  long  the  congregation  was  vacant  after  that  time 
cannot  be  stated  accurately,  but  it  was  most  likely  until 
the  end  of  1788.  The  old  church  record  shows  the  pres- 
ence of  Rev.  J.  W.  Boos,  the  former  pastor,  in  the  early 
part  of  1789.  The  minutes  of  the  consistory  meeting  of 
March  25,  1789,  are  signed  by  hira,  together  with  nine 
members.  It  has  frequently  been  stated  that  Mr.  Boos 
was  pastor  in  Reading  a  second  time,  but  at  times  this 
has  been  questioned.  The  above  fact  settles  the  question 
beyond  a  doubt.  When  Mr.  Boos  withdrew  from  Read- 
ing at  the  end  of  the  year  1781,  he  continued  to  serve 
Cacusi,  or  Hain's  church,  near  Wernersville.  In  the  old 
church  record  of  that  congregation  he  entered  589  bap- 
tisms from  October  23,  1771,  to  Augu!-t  17,  1789.  From 
January,  1784,  to  November,  1788,  he  also  served  the 
Bern  church  in  Bern  township,  Berks  county.  He  evi- 
dently returned  to  Reading  in  the  spring  of  1784,  for  on 


FIRST   CHURCH.  91 

April  IG,  1784,  he  purchased  the  property  at  the  south- 
west corner  of  Ninth  and  Penn  streets  from  Jacob  Bower, 
a  prominent  Reformed  member,  for  450  pounds  Pennsyl- 
vania money.  It  was  lot  No.  176  in  the  original  plan  of 
the  town,  and  was  60  feet  on  Penn  street  by  270  feet  on 
South  Ninth  street.  Here  Mr.  Boos  evidently  resided 
until  his  death  in  1814.  The  title  of  this  property  was 
traced  by  the  writer  back  to  the  Penns.  Mr.  Nicholas 
Dick,  grandfather  of  Mr.  Amos  L,  Dick,  of  Reading,  one 
of  the  oldest  members  of  the  First  church,  now  over  85 
years  of  age,  was  married  to  a  sister  of  Rev.  J.  W.  Boos, 
and  resided  next  door  to  him.  On  November  9,  1822, 
the  administrator  of  Rev.  Mr.  Boos  sold  the  above  prop- 
erty, together  with  three  other  properties,  to  Dr.  James  B. 
Cherington  for  |2600. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Coetus,  held  in  Philadelphia  on 
June  10,  1789,  a  delegate  from  Reading  appeared,  asking 
that  the  call  of  Rev.  Mr.  Boos  be  confirmed  and  he  be 
received  as  a  member  of  Coetus.  But  inasmuch  as  a  larger 
part  of  the  congregation  opposed  him  and  "  his  conduct 
was  still  as  before,  namely  bad,"  Coetus  was  unwilling  to 
grant  the  request,  but  promised  to  help  the  congregation 
in  whatever  way  it  could.  With  what  success  Mr.  Boos 
labored  in  Reading  at  this  time  is  difficult  to  determine, 
but  owing  to  the  vigorous  opposition  which  he  met,  it 
could  hardly  have  been  great.  He  seems  to  have  re- 
mained in  Reading  till  1792.  If  he  had  left  before  that 
time  there  would  no  doubt  be  some  record  of  it  in  the 
Coetal  minutes. 

Rev.  Mr.  Boos  died  on  November  28,  1814,  aged  75 
years.     He  had  been  married  to  Barbara  Epler,  of  Bern 


92  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

township,  aud  was  the  father  of  eight  children.  He 
always  wrote  his  name  Boos,  but  his  descendants  changed 
the  name  to  ^ons.  The  change  appears  to  have  been 
made  by  his  children.  His  son  John  was  frequently  a 
member  of  the  consistory,  and  already  in  1811  he  signs 
his  name  clearly  John  Boas.  Pastor  Boos'  sou  Jacob  was 
the  father  of  Mr.  Augustus  F.  Boas,  the  well-known 
banker  in  Reading  and  during  37  years  superintendent  of 
the  First  Reformed  Sunday  school.  Another  grandson 
was  Daniel  H.  Boas,  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Univer- 
salist  church  in  Reading. 

8.— Rev.  Philip  Pauli,  1793-1815. 

We  now  come  to  the  last  Reformed  minister  of  Read- 
ing during  the  eighteenth  century.  He  was  the  most 
faithful  aud  most  successful  minister  of  all  who  had  been 
in  Reading,  and  by  his  long  and  blessed  ministry  of  22 
years  he  laid  the  foundation  for  the  present  flourishing 
congregation.  In  point  of  length  his  pastorate  was  ex- 
ceeded only  by  that  of  his  son,  Rev.  AVilliam  Pauli,  aud 
that  of  Dr.  Henry  Mosser.  His  baptismal  name  was 
Philip  Reinhold  Pauli,  but  he  always  omitted  the  middle 
name  Reinhold.  His  signature  frequently  appears  in  the 
minute  book,  but  always  only  as  Philip  Pauli.  In  the 
minutes  of  the  Coetus  his  name  always  appears  in  the 
same  form.  We  therefore  follow  his  example  in  using 
his  name. 

When  Rev.  Mr.  Pauli  arrived  in  Reading  the  congre- 
gation had  existed  but  forty  years,  1753-1793,  and  yet 
what  storms  had  passed  over  her  !  It  had  been  indeed  a 
period  of  struggles  and  difficulties.     Dark  clouds  had  been 


FIRST   CHURCH.  93 

hanging  over  the  congregation,  and  but  rarely  a  ray  of 
sunshine  had  penetrated  through  these  clouds.  But  with 
the  arrival  of  Panli  a  new  day  and  a  bright  future  dawned, 
and  as  a  result  the  congregation  awoke  to  new  life  and 
activity.  Soon  the  troubles  of  the  past  were  forgotten  in 
the  success  of  the  present  and  still  brighter  prospects  of 
the  future. 

Rev.  Philip  Pauli  was  born  in  Magdeburg,  Germany, 
on  June  22,  1742.  His  father,  Ernest  L.  Pauli,  was 
court  preacher  to  the  Count  of  Bernburg.  His  son,  Philip, 
received  his  first  education  in  the  school  of  his  native  city. 
Then  he  was  sent  to  the  Joachirasthal  Gymnasium  (col- 
lege) at  Berlin,  and  finally  completed  his  education  at  the 
University  of  Halle,  where  he  studied  theology.  At  this 
time  several  members  of  his  family  died,  which  cut  short 
his  career  in  Germany  and  made  him  willing  to  go  to 
America.  He  arrived  in  this  country  in  1783.  At  first 
he  taught  Latin  in  the  Academy  of  Philadelphia,  but  soon 
afterward  began  to  preach  acceptably.  In  1786  he  ap- 
plied to  the  Coetus  for  examination  and  licensure.  In 
case  his  examination  proved  successful  he  was  promised 
the  congregation  at  Reading.  This,  however,  was  not 
the  case.  Hence  he  continued  to  teach.  (Minutes  of 
1786,  §  4.)  In  the  following  year  the  congregation  at 
Frankford  asked  Coetus  to  allow  Mr.  Pauli  to  become 
their  minister.  But  Coetus  answered  that  inasmuch  as 
the  first  examination  had  not  been  satisfactory  they  could 
do  nothing  in  this  matter  until  he  had  passed  a  satisfac- 
tory examinatimi.  In  the  next  year  (1788)  Mr.  Pauli 
renewed  his  request  for  an  examination,  and  "  since  he 
had  gained  some  experience  in  preaching  and  the  fathers 


94  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

had  given  their  consent  to  his  licensure,"  a  second  exami- 
nation was  granted  to  him  to  take  place  after  the  Coetus 
meeting.  Coetus  again  at  this  time  intended  to  send  him 
to  Reading,  but  the  return  of  Boos  prevented  the  execu- 
tion of  their  plans.  Mr.  Pauli  went  therefore  to  Wor- 
cester and  Witpen  in  1789,  where  he  was  duly  ordained 
in  1790,  but  was  not  received  as  a  member  of  Coetus  till 
1792.  In  the  beginning  of  1793  he  accepted  a  call  from 
Reading,  which  was  confirmed  by  Coetus  at  its  annual 
meeting.  The  first  entry  of  Rev.  Mr.  Pauli  in  the  old 
church  records  is  that  of  a  baptism,  which  took  place  on 
February  26,  1793. 

The  advent  of  Mr.  Pauli  in  Reading  appears  to  have 
at  once  infused  new  life  into  the  congregation.  A  num- 
ber of  new  and  prominent  names  are  appended  to  the 
minutes  of  the  consistory  of  1793 — Joseph  Hiester,  Peter 
Nagle,  Philip  Kremer,  Jacob  Yeager,  Balser  Henrice, 
Daniel  Rose,  Jacob  Bower,  John  Walter  and  John  Riehm. 
The  records  of  the  church,  carefully  kept  from  the  first 
year  of  his  ministry  at  Reading,  amply  prove  him  to  have 
been  a  faithful  pastor,  who  labored  with  zeal  and  success 
in  that  portion  of  the  Lord's  vineyard  wliich  had  been  so 
long  neglected.  In  addition  to  his  labors  as  pastor  Mr. 
Pauli  also  conducted  a  select  Latin  and  French  school, 
for  which  he  was  well  fitted. 

One  of  the  best  evidences  of  the  activity  and  success 
of  Mr.  Pauli  in  Reading  is  the  size  of  his  catechetical 
classes.  His  first  class  (1793)  consisted  of  51  persons; 
that  of  1797  of  69  persons  ;  that  of  1810  of  73  and  that 
of  1811  of  92  persons.  He  confirmed  22  classes,  and  the 
average  size  of  them  was  over  42  persons.     These  figures 


FIRST   CHURCH.  95 

are  remarkable  when  we  remember  that  Reading  in  1810 
had  a  popnlation  of  only  3463.  But  we  must  remember 
that  Reading  was  the  centre  of  a  large  district  of  country. 
Many  families  in  the  country  belonged  to  the  Reading 
congregation. 

]Mr.  Pauli  was  a  good  preacher,  and  his  services  were 
well  attended.  He  possessed  very  agreeable  social  quali- 
ties, and  a  peculiar  fervor  in  the  pulpit.  During  the 
early  history  of  the  congregation  there  was  evidently  no 
regular  pastoral  visiting.  On  February  3,  1813,  the  con- 
sistory resolved  that  the  pastor  should  visit  the  members 
once  a  year  in  company  with  an  elder. 

Mr.  Pauli  was  the  first  pastor  in  Reading  who  kept 
careful  and  full  records  of  his  ministerial  work. 

During  the  early  part  of  Mr.  Pauli's  ministry  in 
Reading  an  effort  was  made  to  pay  the  church  debt,  which 
had  long  been  carried.  Already  in  1794  a  subscription 
was  taken  up  for  this  purpose  with  good  results.  The 
receipts  during  this  year  amounted  to  over  832  pounds, 
and  the  sum  of  956  pounds  was  paid  out.  (During  the 
year  previous  the  receipts  aggregated  163  pounds.)  Dur- 
ing the  latter  part  of  Mr.  Pauli's  pastorate,  in  1814,  an- 
other subscription  was  taken  up  and  the  debt  fully  wiped 
out.  For  particulars  of  these  two  subscriptions  sec  Chap- 
ter on  "  Miscellaneous." 

The  record  previous  to  1813  contains  no  itemized 
statement  of  receipts  and  expenditures,  but  only  the  gross 
receipts  and  expenditures,  so  that  we  have  no  means  of 
knowing  what  was  paid  Mr.  Pauli  as  salary  previous  to 
1809.  On  Feb.  7  of  this  year  the  consistory  fixed  his 
salary  at  130  pounds  per  year.     He   was  paid   this   sum 


96  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

from  that  time  to  the  end  of  his  life.  Mr.  Paiili  also 
served  several  coiiutry  congregations. 

The  last  minutes  of  the  consistory  signed  by  Pastor 
Paul i  are  those  of  May  27,  1814.  At  this  meeting  the 
committee  on  the  subscription  made  a  final  report,  and 
the  debt  was  fully  paid. 

In  1814  Mr.  Pauli  reported  to  synod  255  baptisms, 
98  catechumens,  511  communicants  and  77  deaths. 

Rev.  Mr.  Pauli  was  a  prominent  member  of  synod. 
In  1793  he  was  appointed  a  member  of  a  committee  of 
six  to  publish  a  new  hymn  book,  which  appeared  in  1797. 
In  1800  he  was  elected  president  of  synod. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Philip  Pauli  in  Reading 
it  fell  to  his  lot  to  minister  to  Susanna  -Cox,  whose  pa- 
thetic story  is  so  generally  known  in  Berks  county.  She 
was  a  poor  illiterate  young  woman  living  in  the  family  of 
Jacob  Geehr  in  Oley  township.  In  April  of  1809  she 
was  found  guilty  of  the  murder  of  her  illegitimate  child, 
and  sentenced  to  death.  Rev.  Mr.  Pauli  ministered  to 
her  and  brought  her  the  consolations  of  the  gospel.  She 
was  penitent  and  confessed  her  guilt.  Her  pul)lic  execu- 
tion took  place  on  June  10,  1809,  in  front  of  the  present 
county  jail  at  the  head  of  Peun  street.  It  was  a  regular 
field  day  for  the  people  of  Berks  and  neighboring  coun- 
ties. They  came  in  all  kinds  of  conveyances,  even  as  far 
as  seventy  miles,  to  witness  the  execution.  On  the  day 
before  her  execution  Rev.  Mr.  Pauli  administered  the 
communion  to  the  condemned  woman,  who  was  only 
twenty-four  years  of  age.  He  prayed  long  and  earnestly 
with  her  for  her  salvation.  She  appeared  to  be  conscious 
of  forgiveness,  and  heroically  went  to  her  sad  death.    The 


FIRST    CHURCH.  97 

time  of  her  execution  having  arrived,  she,  leaning  upon 
the  arm  of  her  aged  spiritual  adviser,  Avalked  from  the 
old  jail  still  standing  at  Fifth  and  Washington  streets  up 
Penu  street,  followed  by  a  large  crowd  of  eager  specta- 
tors. She  stopped  at  a  pump  on  the  way  to  slake  her 
thirst  for  the  last  time.  At  the  place  of  execution  Rev. 
Mr.  Pauli  once  more  offered  a  most  solemn  and  earnest 
prayer  for  the  culprit,  after  which  there  was  sung  an  old 
German  hymn  of  tiie  seventeenth  century  which  the  poor 
woman  had  committed  to  memory  while  in  jail.  The  first 
verse  was  as  follows  : 

"  Ich  armer  Mensch,  ich  armer  Sunder, 
Steh  hier  vor  Deinem  Angesicht. 
Ach  Gott,  ach  Gott,  verfahr  gelinder, 
Uud  geh  nicht  mit  mir  in's  Gericht. 
Erbarme  Dich,  erbarme  Dieh, 
Gott,  mein  Erbarmer,  iiber  mich  !" 

The  woman  then  ascended  a  wagon  which  was  under 
the  gallows  and  which  contained  her  coffin,  and  stood 
upon  the  coffin.  When  all  was  ready,  the  wagon  was 
driven  away,  and  Susanna  Cox  expiated  her  crime  by 
dying  on  the  gallows. — It  has  often  been  stated  that  Su- 
sanna Cox  was  the  first  woman  ever  executed  in  Berks 
county,  but  this  is  an  error.  Two  other  women  were  exe- 
cuted before  her — Elizabeth  Graul  on  March  10,  1759, 
and  Catharine  Krebs  on  Dec.  19,  1767. — Since  1809  only 
one  woman  was  hanged  in  Pennsylvania — Catharine  Mil- 
ler in  Lycoming  county  in  February,  1881,  for  the  mur- 
der of  her  husband.  At  this  time  (spring  of  1905)  Mrs. 
Edwards  is  in  the  Berks  county  jail  under  sentence  of 
death  for  the  murder  of  her  husband. 


98  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Capt.  Peter  Nagel,  a  prominent  member  of  the  Re- 
formed church,  held  the  inquest  on  the  body  of  the  child 
on  February  17,  1809. 

Rev.  Philip  Pauli  died  on  January  27,  1815,  aged  72 
years,  7  months  and  4  days.  His  death  was  announced 
at  a  consistory  meeting  on  the  evening  of  that  day.  The 
consistory  arranged  for  the  funeral.  It  resolved  to  invite 
to  the  funeral  the  consistory  of  Trinity  Lutheran  church 
and  their  pastor.  Rev.  Henry  A.  Muhlenberg.  The  con- 
sistories of  Sinking  Spring  and  Schwarzwald  were  also 
invited,  because  Mr.  Pauli  had  been  the  pastor  of  those 
congregations.  Mr.  John  Birkenbine  was  appointed  a 
committee  to  get  the  bills  incurred  for  the  funeral.  He 
afterward  drew  $26.66  from  the  treasury,  which  evi- 
dently represents  the  expenses  of  the  funeral  of  the  be- 
loved pastor.  The  funeral  was  held  in  the  Lutheran 
church  because  of  its  large  size,  on  Jan.  29.  Notwith- 
standing the  very  inclement  weather  there  was  a  large 
attendance.  Rev.  William  Hendel,  D.  D.,  preached  the 
funeral  sermon  on  2  Kings  2:12,  followed  by  an  address 
by  Rev.  Jacob  W.  Dechant.  Burial  was  made  in  the 
Reformed  graveyard  close  to  the  church.  Thus  ended  the 
useful  career  of  a  good  and  beloved  man.  When  the 
present  large  church  was  erected  in  1832  his  body  was 
removed  some  distance  farther  away,  and  in  1869  it  was 
removed  to  Charles  Evans'  cemetery. 

Rev.  Mr.  Pauli  was  married  on  Feb.  14,  1784,  to 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  John  Musch,  of  Easton.  She  died 
on  Nov.  12,  1839,  aged  77  years,  one  mouth  and  eighteen 
days.     She  was  buried  by  his  side. 


FIRST   CHURCH.  99 


9.— Rev.  Wiiram  Pauli,  1815-1842. 

Rev.  William  Pauli,  sod  of  the  former  pastor,  suc- 
ceeded bis  father  in  the  Reading  pastorate.  He  was 
elected  at  a  congregational  meeting  held  on  March  27, 
1815,  two  months  after  the  death  of  his  father.  Six  can- 
didates had  been  placed  in  nomination,  and  G2  persons 
voted.  Rev.  William  Pauli  received  55  votes.  Rev.  Mr. 
Rahauser  5,  Rev.  Mr.  Vandersloot  1  and  Rev.  Mr.  Reil- 
ing  1.  Two  others  received  no  votes.  Mr.  Pauli  accepted 
the  call,  and  soon  after  entered  upon  the  next  to  the  long- 
est pastorate  in  the  long  history  of  the  congregation, 
twenty-seven  years.  The  date  of  his  installation  is  not 
given,  but  on  June  7,  1815,  he  was  paid  65  pounds  as  his 
first  salary. 

William  Pauli  was  born  on  March  9,  1762,  in  Skip- 
pack,  ]\Iontgomery  county.  Pa.,  where  his  father  was  pas- 
tor at  the  time.  He  was  an  elder  brother  of  Rev.  Chas. 
A.  Pauli,  who  spent  the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  Read- 
ing, William  Pauli  received  his  early  education  from  his 
father,  who  was  a  learned  man  and  conducted  an  academy 
in  Reading.  He  was  licensed  to  i)reach  in  1813  and 
ordained  in  1816.  He  thus  evidently  preached  sometime 
in  Reading  before  his  ordination. 

Mr.  Pauli  served  a  number  of  country  congregations 
during  the  whole  of  his  ministry  in  Reading.  In  1819 
his  charge  consisted  of  Reading,   Epler's,  Schwarzwald, 


100  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Beidler's  and  Forest.  lu  1823  he  also  served  jNIaideu- 
creek.  He  was  quite  irregular  iu  his  attendauce  upon 
synod,  and  frequently  failed  to  report.  He  failed  to  re- 
port iu  1824,  1837,  1838  and  1839. 

His  ministry  was  not  characterized  by  great  activity. 
His  records,  although  apparently  carefully  kept,  are  iu  a 
bad  condition.  Some  of  the  leaves  of  the  books  are  miss- 
ing, so  that  uo  summary  of  his  labors  can  be  given. 

The  most  important  event  during  Mr.  Pauli's  pas- 
torate was  the  demolishing  of  the  old  stone  church  in 
1831 J  and  the  erection  of  the  present  large  brick  church 
during  the  following  two  years.  It  was  a  large  under- 
taking, but  it  was  successfully  carried  through.  On  May 
23,  1831,  thirty-seven  members  met  in  the  school  house 
to  consider  the  propriety  of  erecting  a  new  church.  It 
was  resolved  that  a  new  church  was  needed.  A  commit- 
tee was  appointed  to  take  up  subscriptions  in  towu  and 
country — eight  persons  for  Readiug,  four  for  Alsace,  three 
for  Exeter  and  six  for  Cumru  townships.  This  shows 
that  there  was  a  large  country  membership. — On  May  5, 
1832,  the  trustees  were  authorized  to  borrow  $5000,  at  five 
per  cent,  interest  toward  erecting  the  new  church.  This 
resolution  is  signed  by  Rev.  Wm.  Pauli  and  ten  members 
of  the  consistory,  including  Peter  Nagel,  William  Ermen- 
trout  and  Philip  Zieber,  well-known  members. 

The  erectiou  of  the  new  church  involved  the  congrega- 
tion iu  considerable  debt.  In  1833  an  act  was  passed  by 
the  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania  to  enable  the  congrega- 
tion "  to  sell  or  mortgage  such  part  or  parts  of  the  real 
estate  belonging  to  said  congregation  as  may  be  deemed 
necessary  for  the  payment  of  their  debts,  and  for  the  pur- 


FIRST   CHURCH.  101 

chase  of  such  other  real  estate  as  they  may  deem  necessary 
for  the  use  of  the  church  ....  provided  that  the  real 
estate  so  purchased  shall  uot  in  amount  and  value  exceed 
the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars."  This  act  was  signed 
by  Samuel  Anderson,  Speaker  of  the  House,  and  Thomas 
Ringland,  Speaker  of  the  Senate.  The  bill  was  approved 
at  Harrisburg  on  April  8,  1833. 

During  Mr.  Pauli's  pastorate  the  several  denomina- 
tions conducted  a  union  Sunday  school  in  the  old  court 
house  which  stood  in  Penn  Square.  The  Reformed  peo- 
ple conducted  their  parochial  school  in  the  school  house  at 
the  corner  of  Seventh  and  Washington  streets.  The  prin- 
cipal text  book  in  the  school  was  the  catechism,  which 
was  German.  The  schoolmaster  was  Mr.  John  Roland, 
who  was  really  the  catechist  of  the  congregation.  The 
chiklren  committed  the  answers  of  the  catechism,  and 
Pastor  Pauli  visited  the  school  once  a  week  to  see  what 
progress  the  children  were  making  in  the  catechism. 
When  they  had  advanced  sufficiently,  they  were  con- 
firmed by  him.  The  school  was  contiuued  until  after 
the  close  of  Mr.  Pauli's  pastorate.  As  far  as  the  writer 
has  been  able  to  ascertain  there  is  at  this  writing  (1905) 
only  one  person  residing  in  Reading  who  attended  the 
parochial  school.  This  is  Mr.  John  F.  Moers,  who 
attended  the  school  in  1836.  He  also  attended  the  Sun- 
day school  in  the  court  house.  Mr.  Moers  was  born  on 
Sept.  5,  1824,  and  is  now  over  eighty  years  old.  He  was 
during  67  years  connected  with  the  marble  yard  on  West 
Penu  street  as  apprentice,  journeyman  and  proprietor. 
The  yard  was  established  by  his  grandfather  in  1790. 
After  his  death  the  yard  was  continued  by  the  son,  who 


102  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

died  in  1861,  when  the  grandson  took  possession  and  con- 
tinued the  business  until  the  summer  of  1904.  All  three 
bore  the  same  name — John  Frederick  Moers.  Each  of 
them  in  his  time  took  an  active  part  in  the  affairs  of  the 
Reformed  church  in  Reading. 

Mr.  Pauli  was  elected  in  1815.  In  1815  and  181 G  he 
was  paid  130  pounds  per  year;  in  1817,  144  pounds.  In 
1818  he  was  paid  §338.33.  For  several  years  the  salary 
was  increased  somewhat.  In  1829  it  M-as  fixed  at  '$346,- 
C)>^  per  year,  with  S24  additional  for  fire  wood,  and  it 
remained  at  this  figure  until  the  end  of  his  pastorate  in 
1842.  The  amount  seems  somewhat  odd,  especially  the 
68  cents.  Taking  into  cousideraiion  the  greater  value  of 
money  in  those  days,  we  must  admit  that  the  salary  was 
liberal,  since  Mr.  Pauli  was  also  serving  from  three  to 
five  country  congregations  at  various  times. 

A  minister  is  usually  elected  without  term.  On  May 
16,  1829,  the  consistory  resolved  "to  engage  Rev.  ^Vm. 
Pauli  for  another  year"  at  the  salary  above  stated.  After 
this  date  similar  action  was  taken  every  year,  either  by 
the  consistory  or  the  congregational  meeting.  Why  such 
action?  At  the  present  time  such  action  would  be  taken 
as  putting  the  person  concerned  upon  his  good  behavior. 
We  think  such  was  the  case  then. 

Gradually  a  reaction  took  place  in  the  congregation. 
It  was  felt  that  the  church  did  not  prosper  as  much  as 
there  was  reason  to  expect.  There  was  a  large  new 
church,  l)ut  matters  were  not  in  a  satisfactory  state.  To 
the  writer's  mind  there  were  two  reasons  for  this.  In  the 
first  place  there  was  a  strong  tendency  toward  English, 
but  all  the  services  were  conducted   in   the  German   Ian- 


FIRST   CHURCH.  103 

guage,  and  then  only  every  other  Sunday  morning.  The 
pastor  could  not  preach  English.  Under  these  conditions 
a  number  of  the  most  prominent  families  left  the  Re- 
formed Church  and  united  with  the  Presbyterians  and 
Episcopalians.  Among  these  may  be  mentioned  the  Eck- 
erts,  Hunters,  Saylors,  Bensons,  Jamesons  and  others. — 
Secondly,  Pastor  Pauli  was  serving  three  country  congre- 
gations in  connection  with  the  Reading  church.  Conse- 
quently he  could  not  give  the  Reading  congregation  that 
attention  which  it  needed.  The  town  was  growing,  and 
more  pastoral  work  was  required. 

Pastor  Pauli  realized  the  pressure  which  was  bearing 
upon  him.  He  was  irritated,  and  his  relations  with  the 
congregation  became  somevvhat  strained.  He  finally  re- 
signed. The  date  is  not  given,  but  it  was  evidently  in 
the  beginning  of  1842,  since  the  election  for  a  successor 
was  held  on  February  5,  1842.  Under  the  existing  cir- 
cumstances the  congregation  fell  back  with  the  pastor's 
salary,  and  there  was  due  him  the  sum  of  over  8200. 
This  could  not  be  raised  for  nearly  two  years. 

On  Jan.  16,  1843,  William  Ermentrout,  William  Lotz 
and  Philip  Ziebcr  were  appointed  a  committee  to  borrow 
the  needed  amount  of  money  from  John  S.  Hiester  with 
which  to  pay  the  balance  of  salary  due  the  former  pastor, 
Rev.  Wm.  Pauli.  At  a  subsequent  meeting  the  commit- 
tee reported  that  the  money  could  not  be  had.  The  atti- 
tude of  Pastor  Pauli  toward  the  congregation  may  be 
inferred  from  the  statement  of  this  committee  on  the  above 
date  that  he  had  "acted  all  winter  so  as  to  injure  the  con- 
gregation and  its  collections."  A  second  effort  to  secure 
the  money  also  failed.     Subsequently  Henry  Ermentrout 


104  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

took  the  matter  in  hand  and  collected  $200  for  this  pur- 
pose. He  paid  this  amount  to  Treasurer  Cunnius  on 
Sept.  12,  1843,  and  on  the  following  dny  the  treasurer 
paid  Rev.  Mr.  Pauli  the  sum  of  $220.68  in  full  for  salary. 
This  ended  the  Pauli  matter. 

The  condition  of  the  congregation  at  the  close  of  Mr. 
Pauli's  pastorate  may  be  inferred  by  several  facts.  In 
the  call  to  Rev.  J.  C.  Bucher  the  consistory  urged  him  to 
come  to  Reading  "  to  resuscitate  the  declining  prosperity 
of  the  church."  Mr.  Bucher  hesitated  to  accept  the  call, 
because  he  was  pleasantly  situated  at  ISIiddletown,  Md., 
and  his  congregation  was  united.  In  his  letter  of  accept- 
ance he  speaks  of  the  Reading  congregation  at  one  place 
as  being  divided ;  at  another  place  he  speaks  of  it  as  "  a 
broken  and  scattered  congregation,  whose  condition  is  a- 
critical  one."  It  is  evident  that  Mr.  Pauli's  pastorate 
had  continued  too  long. 

Rev.  Wm.  Pauli  resided  in  his  own  house  located  at 
Sixth  and  Court  streets.  His  property  had  a  frontage  of 
89  feet  on  Sixth  street.  After  Rev.  Pauli's  death  in  1855 
his  son,  William  E.  Pauli,  accepted  the  property  at  the 
appraisement,  and  on  Feb,  15,  1850,  sold  it  to  Joseph 
Mishler  for  S6000.  Mr.  Mishler  long  resided  in  a  house 
erected  upon  the  southern  part  of  the  lot.  The  property 
is  now  very  valuable,  being  in  the  centre  of  the  city. 
The  corner  lot  is  occupied  by  the  four-story  lelegram  and 
Adler  printing  house,  and  the  other  part  by  a  number  of 
office  buildings.  Rev.  Mr.  Pauli  also  owned  the  valual)le 
property  at  Sixth  and  Penn  streets,  during  many  years 
known  as  Jameson's  corner.  Mr.  Pauli  purchased  it  on 
Dec.  26,  1816,  from  Lewis  Jacoby  for  1350  pounds.     It 


FIRST   CHURCH.  105 

was  then  (50  foet  front  ou  Peuu  street,  with  a  depth  of  33 
feet  ou  Sixth  street.  It  was  the  Peiin  street  front  of  lot 
Xo.  105  in  the  original  town  plan.  There  are  now  three 
stores  on  this  lot. 

Pastor  Pauli  was  an  average  preacher,  by  no  means 
the  equal  of  his  father,  Rev.  Philip  Pauli.  During  his 
pastorate  tiie  synod  and  the  classis  met  a  number  of  times 
in  Reading.  An  aged  friend  informs  us  that  the  people 
usually  looked  forward  to  these  meetings,  because  they 
expected  to  hear  first-class  sermons  on  these  occasions. 
But  they  were  always  disappointed.  It  appeared  as  though 
there  were  no  really  good  preachers.  Some  came  to  the 
conclusion  that  there  must  be  some  trick  connected  with 
the  matter.  They  suspected  that  the  pastor,  who  then  as 
now  usually  designated  the  preachers  on  such  occasions, 
purposely  appointed  weak  preachers  so  as  not  to  create  an 
unfavorable  contrast  with  his  own  preaching.  Whether 
this  suspicion  was  well  founded  we  cannot  say. 

After  his  resignation  in  Reading  Mr.  Pauli  continued 
serving  a  number  of  country  congregations.  In  1844 
Lebanon  Classis  for  some  reasons  suspended  him  from  the 
ministry.  After  that  he  continued  to  preach  as  an  inde- 
pendent minister,  and  served  Sinking  Spring  and  Hain's 
churches  until  his  death. 

Rev.  William  Pauli  died  in  Reading  on  May  20, 1855, 
at  the  age  of  63  years,  2  months  and  11  days.  The  funeral 
services  were  held  in  Trinity  Lutheran  church,  and  were 
largely  attended.  Rev.  Joiin  N.  Hoffman,  pastor  of  the 
church,  preached  on  Jer.  3  :  27.  Interment  was  made  in 
Charles  Evans'  cemetery. 


106  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 


10— Rev.  J.  C.  Bucher,  D.  D. 

On  May  16,  1842,  Rev.  J.  C.  Bucher  was  called  to 
the  pastorate  of  the  First  church.  He  was  promised 
"$600  salary,  the  use  of  a  house,  sufficient  fire  wood  for 
his  family,  the  services  of  a  physician  in  case  of  illness  of 
any  member  of  his  family,  and  expenses  for  moving  from 
Middletown,  Md.,  to  Reading."  The  call  was  signed  by 
Wm.  Ernientrout,  John  S.  Hiester  (sou  of  Geo.  Hiester), 
Philip  Zieber,  John  Goodhart,  John  F.  Moers,  John 
Smith,  Daniel  Weitzel,  Peter  Rhine  and  AVm,  Lott.  This 
was  63  years  ago. 

The  call  stipulates  that  the  new  pastor  is  to  preach 
two  German  and  two  English  sermons  on  alternate  Sun- 
day mornings  each  mouth.  The  Sunday  evenings  are 
left  to  the  disposal  of  the  pastor.  He  can  either  devote 
them  to  his  ease,  or  for  the  interests  of  the  congregation. 
The  call  urges  Rev.  Bucher  to  come  to  Reading  to  "re- 
suscitate the  declining  prosperity  of  the  church,"  which 
would  indicate  its  condition  at  the  close  of  the  previous 
pastorate.  In  the  call  the  hope  is  expressed  that  Dr. 
Bucher  would  become  the  jiastor  "  under  the  sanction  of 
the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  tiie  United 
States."  This  is  strange,  since  there  was  no  General 
Synod  at  that  time.  It  meant  the  Eastern  Synod.  The 
call  also  contains  this  provision  :  "  The  vestry  do  allow  5 
weeks  annually,  as  is  customary,  for  recreation,  visiting 
and  attendance  at  synod  and  classical  meetings." 


FIRST   CHURCH.  107 

Dr.  Buclier  accepted  the  call  on  May  30,  1842.  His 
letter  of  acceptance  is  long.  In  it  he  speaks  of  the  sacri- 
fices which  he  must  make  in  leaving^  "  a  more  than  ordi- 
nary  dwelling  house,  having  eleven  rooms  on  two  floors 
and  two  passages  or  halls,  besides  kitchen."  He  also  ex- 
presses his  fear  in  "  leaving  a  unanimous  and  prosperous 
people  and  going  to  one  that  is  divided  and  which  requires 
so  much  German."'  At  the  same  time  he  had  a  call  from 
Mercersburg,  where  his  children  could  enjoy  better  school 
privileges  than  could  be  expected  in  Reading  on  account 
of  the  college  and  seminary  being  located  at  the  former 
place.  Dr.  Bucher  states  that  only  a  sense  of  duty  im- 
pelled him  to  go  to  a  "  broken  and  scattered  congrega- 
tion, whose  condition  was  a  critical  one."  Dr.  Bucher 
was  installed  on  August  14,  1842,  by  a  committee  of  Leb- 
anon Classis,  to  which  the  congregation  then  belonged. 
He  resided  in  the  house  of  Susanna  Boyer  on  Franklin 
street,  below  Third,  for  which  the  congregation  paid  $76 
rent  per  year. 

The  coming  of  Dr.  Bucher  to  Reading  was  in  some 
respects  a  new  epoch  in  the  history  of  the  congregation. 
Frequent  meetings  of  the  consistory  were  held  and  plans 
devised  for  aggressive  work.  Usually  these  meetings 
were  held  in  the  school  house ;  at  other  times  in  the  lec- 
ture room,  especially  when  candidates  for  church  members 
were  examined.  On  August  30,  1842,  it  was  resolved 
that  a  secretary  of  the  congregation  be  elected,  and  that 
thereafter  the  proceedings  of  the  consistory  should  be 
recorded  in  English.  Until  then  these  were  recorded  in 
German.  The  German  minutes  immediately  preceding 
were  recorded  by  John  Roland,  secretary.     This  was   the 


108  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

person  who  served  a  long  time  as  teacher  of  the  parochial 
school.  It  appears  that  the  secretary  of  the  consistory  in 
those  days  was  not  a  member  of  the  body.  Neither  John 
Roland  nor  his  snccessor,  Henry  C.  Ermentrout,  were 
members  of  the  body.  Mr.  Henry  C.  Ermentrout  was 
elected  and  served  as  secretary  of  ti^e  consistory  a  number 
of  years.     The  minutes  were  well  kept. 

On  October  24,  1842,  William  Ermentrout,  Philip 
Zieber  and  John  F.  Moers  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
ascertain  whether  money  could  be  borrowed  to  erect  a 
parsonage,  and  if  so  to  ascertain  who  would  erect  such  a 
building  upon  the  best  terms.  On  Dec.  16  this  commit- 
tee reported  that  they  had  not  been  able  to  secure  the 
money,  but  had  ascertained  that  a  parsonage  could  be 
erected  for  $1800.  The  committee  considered  it  advis- 
able to  postpone  the  erection  of  a  house,  and  therefore 
they  rented  a  house  for  !?120  per  year. 

On  Dec.  21,  1842,  a  special  meeting  of  the  consistory 
was  held  in  the  lecture  room  to  examine  the  candidates 
for  church  membership.  Twenty-two  persons  were  pub- 
licly examined  and  accepted  by  the  consistory.  In  con- 
nection with  a  subsequent  examination  of  candidates  the 
secretary  gives  the  names  of  those  who  were  to  be  con- 
firmed in  the  "English  Lauipiish." 

The  strong  tendency  toward  the  English  language, 
which  prevailed  already  at  the  beginning  of  Dr.  Bucher's 
pastorate,  is  shown  by  the  foct  that  of  his  first  class  of 
catechumens,  in  the  spring  of  1843,  50  were  confirmed  in 
English  and  only  10  in  German.  Thirteen  others  were 
received  by  certificate  and  profession  of  faith.  One  of 
these  was  Mrs.  Cath.  Roland,   wife  of  Abraham  Roland, 


FIRST    CHURCH.  101) 

who  died  tlie  next  day.  Included  in  the  above  class  of 
catechumens  was  Mr.  Jacob  O.  Miller,  who  became  a 
well-known  minister  in  the  Reformed  Church,  and  was 
long  pastor  of  Trinity  church,  York,  Pa. 

On  July  8,  184.">,  the  consistory  received  the  annual 
report  of  the  treasurer,  Mr.  John  Y.  Cuunius.  There  was 
now  no  longer  trouble  to  pay  the  pastor's  salary  and  other 
expenses.  This  report  of  the  treasurer  of  the  first  year  of 
Dr.  Bucher's  pastorate  was  most  gratifying.  The  receipts 
were  ^1181.38,  and  the  expenditures  $850.67,  so  that 
there  was  a  balance  of  over  ^3^0  on  hand.  The  treasurer 
was  directed  "  to  pay  oflF  the  interest,"  which  indicates  a 
debt.  Nearly  one-half  of  the  receipts  were  from  collec- 
tions in  the  church,  which  indicates  large  congregations 
and  liberal  collections. 

The  congregation  in  those  days  already  had  some 
trouble  with  persons  who  are  sometimes  called  "  grave- 
yard Christians."  .They  had  an  interest  in  the  church 
only  because  of  the  right  of  burial.  They  contributed  lit- 
tle and  often  nothing  for  the  support  of  the  congregation. 
On  August  7,  1843,  the  consistory  resolved  that  the  right 
of  burial  should  be  limited  to  those  who  contribute  an- 
nually according  to  their  circumstances  to  the  church. 
Those  not  in  regular  standing  shall  be  denied  the  right  of 
burial,  unless  they  pay  annually  one  dollar.  All  others 
must  pay  $5  for  the  burial  of  an  adult  of  over  12  years, 
and  $3  for  all  under  12  years.  Xo  minister  but  the  pas- 
tor shall  be  allowed  to  officiate  on  the  burial  ground,  ex- 
cept with  the  consent  of  the  pastor,  or  of  the  trustees  and 
elders. 

Reading  could  boast  of  a  temperance  society  already 
at  that  time.     On  Feb.  18,  1844,  the  consistory  agreed  to 


110  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

allow  the  temperance  society  to  hold  its  meetings  in  the 
lecture  room  ou  Saturday  evenings  at  ^2.50  per  meeting, 
upon  the  condition  that  there  be  no  ''  chipping  and  stump- 
ing, nor  disorderly  condiic*^,  no  martial  or  band  music,  as 
the  room  has  been  solemnly  dedicated  to  the  service  of 
God,  and  no  person  shall  be  allowed  to  stand  with  their 
feet  on  the  benches." 

At  a  meeting  held  on  Xov.  10,  1S44,  Pastor  Bucher 
informed  the  cousistory  that  although  he  had  preached 
more  frequently  than  the  call  required,  he  could  not  pos- 
sibly satisfy  all  the  Germap  portion  of  the  congregation. 
He  therefore  proposed  that  an  assistant  pastor  be  em- 
ployed to  assist  him  in  the  German  work,  and  in  this  way 
give  the  Germans  an  additional  service  every  two  weeks 
in  the  afternoon.  He  offered  to  pay  $100  toward  the. 
salary  of  such  an  assistant.  The  consistory  authorized 
Dr.  Bucher  to  call  Rev.  J.  S.  Kessler,  of  Mt..  Jackson, 
Ya.,  who  was  to  receive  $200  salary  and  a  free  residence 
in  a  part  of  the  school  house.  Mr.  Kessler  accepted  the 
call.  He  commenced  his  work  in  April,  1845,  and  con- 
tinued in  it  two  years,  until  1847. 

Rev.  John  S.  Kessler  was  a  native  of  Switzerland. 
He  was  born  August  19,  1799,  in  Seiners,  Canton  de 
Grisson.  He  completed  his  theological  studies  in  the 
University  of  Basel  in  1821,  and  was  soon  after,  at  the 
age  of  twenty-two,  ordained  to  the  ministry.  After  labor- 
ing nineteen  years  at  Devos,  Switzerland,  he  came  to 
America  and  became  the  pastor  of  a  number  of  Reformed 
congregations  in  the  famous  Shenandoah  Valley.  After 
laboring  there  about  four  years,  he  was  called  to  Reading, 
as  the  assistant  pastor  of  the  First  church,  and  remained 


FIRST   CHURCH.  Ill 

here  two  years.  He  preached  for  the  Germau  portion  of 
the  congregation  and  labored  among  them  faithfully.  He 
then  became  the  first  pastor  of  the  recently  organized 
Fourth  Reformed  church  at  Baltimore.  In  1854  Dr. 
Kessler  associated  himself  with  liis  only  son,  Rev.  Chris- 
tian R.  Kessler,  in  conducting  the  seminary  at  Allentown, 
which  the  son  had  established  in  1848.  In  the  following 
year,  1855,  the  son  died,  and  the  school  passed  into  other 
hands,  but  the  services  of  the  father  were  continued  until 
the  end  of  his  life.  Father  Kessler  also  preached  to  sev- 
eral congregations  near  Allentown.  He  was  a  member  of 
the  committee  which  prepared  the  German  Hymn  Book 
for  the  Reformed  Church,  and  performed  a  large  part  of 
the  work.  He  was  a  man  of  decided  ability,  and  labored 
with  great  zeal  and  much  success.  In  1854  Franklin  and 
Marshall  College  conferred  the  title  of  D.  D.  upon  him. 
Father  Kessler  died  in  Allentown,  Dec.  22,  1804,  aged 
65  years,  4  months  and  3  days.  Dr.  Kessler  was  married 
in  Switzerland  to  Christina  Jecklin,  who  died  soon  after 
her  husband.  Their  only  child,  Rev.  Christian  R.  Kess- 
ler, having  preceded  them  in  death,  their  immediate  fam- 
ily became  extinct. 

In  January,  1845,  the  consistory  purchased  a  lot  of 
ground  from  Mrs  Rushar  for  the  purpose  of  enlarging 
the  cemetery.  The  price  paid  was  §400  and  two  burial 
lots. 

On  July  28,  1845,  the  consistory  adopted  rules  and 
regulations  for  the  government  of  the  cemetery.  Lots  8 
by  10  feet  were  sold  to  members  for  SlO.  Others  were 
charged  $25.  For  individual  graves  non-members  paid 
$5  for  a  grave  for  an  adult  and  .$3  for  a  child  under  12 


112  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

years.  Sufficient  grouucl  was  reserved  for  niemijers  who 
could  not  or  would  not  purchase  lots.  The  graveyard 
was  in  the  care  of  the  sexton,  who  was  to  dig  all  graves 
for  the  usual  compensation  :  For  a  double  coffin  for  a 
person  over  10  years,  $2.00;  for  a  single  coffin,  $1.50; 
all  under  10  years,  §1.00.  'J  he  church  could  be  used  for 
funerals,  provided  one  of  the  pastors  was  invited  to  offi- 
ciate. Carriages  were  admitted  to  the  cemetery  only 
when  used  by  persons  in  ill  health.  Saddle  horses  and 
dogs  were  excluded.  The  cemetery  was  open  on  week 
days  from  8  a.  m.  until  sunset.  On  Sundays  it  was  open 
only  for  funerals. 

A  considerable  debt  had  been  carried  by  the  congre- 
gation from  the  time  of  the  erection  of  the  new  church 
in  1832.  The  exact  amount  cannot  be  stated.  In  1845 
the  consistory  started  a  movement  to  raise  money  for  the 
payment  of  the  debt.  An  effort  was  made  by  the  con- 
sistory to  classify  the  members  according  to  their  ability 
in  reference  to  this  matter.  The  record  shows  that  these 
subscriptions  aggregated  about  §3000.  The  amount  of 
interest  paid  in  1845  indicates  that  the  debt  amounted  to 
$4000,  so  that  the  debt  was  not  fully  paid  at  this  time. 

The  subject  of  discipline  received  early  attention  dur- 
ing Dr.  Bucher's  pastorate.  He  was  a  strict  disciplina- 
rian. Christian  discii)line  Avas  probably  never  more 
strictly  enforced  in  the  Fir?t  church  than  during  the  pas- 
torate of  Dr.  Bucher.  His  sharp  preaching  and  firm  posi- 
tion against  all  forms  of  sin  naturally  aroused  some  oppo- 
sition. The  pastor  also  insisted  upon  positive  Christian- 
ity, and  instituted  a  prayer  meeting  for  the  edification  of 
the  people.     The  prayer  meeting  was  an  innovation  in  the 


FIRST    CHURCH.  113 

congregation.  To  some  this  was  an  eyesore,  and  they 
expressed  their  feelings  openly.  On  August  7,  1843,  the 
consistory  expelled  a  certain  member  from  the  church 
because  he  had  "  called  the  lecture  and  prayer  room  by 
vulgar,  filthy  and  improper  names,  and  otherwise  abused 
the  congregation  and  consistory." 

In  1847  fiye  members,  whose  names  are  giyen,  were 
reported  to  the  consistory  as  having  attended  a  dance, 
after  having  been  admonished  by  an  elder.  The  con- 
sistory appointed  a  committee  to  admonish  the  erring 
members  in  a  kindly  manner.  At  a  later  meeting  the 
committee  reported  having  admonished  "  those  folks,"  and 
was  continued. 

On  Dec.  28,  1848,  a  member  was  excommunicated  for 
having  "committed  a  gross  assault  upon  one  of  the  dea- 
cons." 

In  1846  the  consistory  experienced  its  first  trouble 
with  the  choir.  The  leader  was  a  Mr.  Stemm.  He  asked 
to  be  paid  for  his  seryices,  which  was  not  granted.  This 
led  to  trouble.  In  the  beginning  of  1847  the  consistory 
charged  him  with  causing  trouble  in  the  choir,  the  church 
and  the  Sunday  school,  and  then  formally  suspended  him 
from  church  membership.  He  asked  to  be  restored  on 
the  ground  that  the  consistory  had  acted  nnconstitution- 
ally,  but  this  body  refnsed  to  accede  to  his  request.  A 
second  effort  on  the  part  of  the  organist  also  failed. 

Another  member  was  suspended  for  six  months  for 
having  "  defied  the  pastor."  He  had  purchased  a  lot  on 
the  cemetery,  and  the  consistory  directed  that  his  "  dead 
(deed)  money"  be  returned  to  him. 

Rev.  Dr.  Kessler  having  withdrawn  as  assistant  pas- 
tor in  the  spring  of  1847,  Rev.  Dr.  Bucher  presented  his 


114  HISTORY   (3F    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

resignation  to  the  consistory  on  May  10  of  the  same  year. 
The  consistory  unanimously  declined  to  accept  the  resig- 
nation, whereupon  Dr.  Bucher  withdrew  the  same,  but 
stated  that  he  could  not  possibly  perform  all  the  labor 
alone.  Ou  Sunday,  March  26,  1848,  the  congregation 
agreed  that  the  consistory  should  call  Rev.  A.  S.  Leinbach 
as  assistant  pastor.  This  was  done  on  the  following  even- 
ing. A  salary  of  $200  per  year  was  offered,  with  the 
privilege  of  serving  one  or  two  country  congregations  at 
the  same  time.  Mr.  Leinbach  declined  this  call  in  a  let- 
ter dated  June  25,  1848. 

At  a  congregational  meeting  on  Nov.  22,  1847,  it  was 
unanimously  resolved  to  sell  the  school  house  property  to 
the  best  advantage.  It  was  also  proposed  to  sell  the  new 
part  of  the  graveyard,  corner  Sixth  and  Walnut  streets, 
if  the  lot  holders  would  agree,  but  this  was  voted  doAvn. 
The  school  projjerty  was  sold  to  George  Foos,  April  5, 
1850,  for  $1006. 

On  January  17,  1848,  the  trustees  were  authorized  to 
purchase  a  certain  property  for  a  parsonage,  which  had 
been  offered  for  $2500.  At  the  next  meeting  it  was  re- 
ported that  the  property  was  not  suitable  for  this  purpose. 
A  committee  was  appointed  to  select  a  site  for  a  parson- 
age. This  committee  reported  subsequently  that  nothing 
could  be  done,  and  was  discharged. 

On  the  afternoon  of  April  24,  1848,  the  initial  steps 
were  taken  for  the  organization  of  a  second  Reformed  con- 
gregation in  Reading.  A  preamble  reciting  the  reasons 
for  this  movement  and  a  series  of  resolutions  were  adopted. 
(See  same  in  history  of  Second  church.)  At  the  same 
meeting   a    resolution    was   adopted  which   contemplated 


FIRST    CHURCH.  115 

more  satisfactory  arrangements  for  the  Englisli  people,  if 
they  preferred  to  remain.  The  resolution  provided  that 
in  case  those  who  desired  to  organize  a  second  church, 
should  upou  consideration  prefer  the  following  arrange- 
ment, it  should  be  carried  out  immediately  upon  notice 
being  given  by  them.     The  action  is  as  follows  : 

"Resolved,  That  arrangements  be  made  as  soon  as 
possible  to  have  the  church  remodeled  and  made  to  ac- 
commodate families  and  persons  who  may  desire  it  with 
pews ;  and  to  have  two  English  sermons  every  Sabbath 
day  :  one  every  other  Sabbath  morning  and  afternoon  al- 
ternately, and  one  every  Sabbath  night." 

Philip  Zieber,  Iveus  Benson,  Daniel  Weitzel,  John  Er- 
mentrout  and  Augustus  F.  Boas  were  appointed  a  commit- 
tee to  procure  the  court  house  or  some  other  suitable  place 
for  worship  until  the  repairs  to  the  church  would  be  com- 
pleted. They  were  also  to  invite  proposals  from  mechan- 
ics to  do  the  work,  and  also  to  solicit  subscriptions  to 
meet  the  expenses.  Nothing  came  of  this  proposition  at 
this  time.  The  Second  congregation  was  organized,  and 
the  remodeling  of  the  church  was  delayed  till  1849. 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  consistory  on  July  9, 1848, 
twenty-five  members  were  regularly  dismissed  for  the  pur- 
pose of  organizing  the  "Second  German  Church  of  Read- 
ing." (Their  names  appear  in  the  history  of  the  Second 
church.) 

These  persons,  together  with  five  others  who  had  not 
been  members  of  the  First  church,  in  all  thirty  souls,  pre- 
sented themselves,  and  Pastor  Bucher  proceeded  to  organ- 
ize them  as  the  Second  Reformed  church.  Two  elders 
and  four  deacons  were  elected,  and  Dr.  Bucher  installed 
them  into  office. 


110  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

On  the  evening  of  July  27,  18-18,  Dr.  Bucher  pre- 
sented bis  resignation  to  the  consistory,  and  it  was  re- 
luctantly accepted.  The  principal  reason  which  prompted 
the  resignation  was  declining  health.  The  consistory  in 
view  of  the  impaired  health  of  Dr.  Bucher  and  of  his 
faithful  labors  during  six  years,  granted  him  the  use  of 
the  dwelling  which  he  then  occupied  until  the  first  of 
April,  1849,  and  also  continued  his  salary  until  that 
time.  Mr.  Bucher  expressed  his  heartfelt  gratitude  for 
this  act  of  generosity. 

Rev.  J.  C.  Bucher,  D.  D. 

Dr.  Bucher  was  born  near  Lingelstown,  Dauphin 
county,  Pa.,  June  18,  1804.  His  ancestors  came  from 
Switzerland.  He  studied  in  the  academy  at  Harrisburg 
and  in  the  Reformed  theological  seminary  then  located  at 
Carlisle,  Pa.,  under  Dr.  Lewis  Mayer.  He  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  second  class  which  graduated  from  the  semi- 
nary, viz.,  in  1828  ;  the  others-being  J.  H.  Crawford,  J. 
F.  Dieflfenbacher,  John  G.  Fritchey,  Henry  Wagner  and 
Daniel  Zacharias.  ,Dr.  Bucher  was  ordained  to  the  min- 
istry at  the  synod  of  Mifflinburg,  Pa.,  October  2,  1828. 
His  first  charge  was  at  Cavetowu,  ISId.,  where  he  labored 
two  years ;  afterward  he  spent  twelve  years  as  pastor  of 
Middletown,  Md.  In  1842  he  came  to  Reading,  and  was 
installed  as  pastor  of  the  Reformed  church  on  August  14, 
1842.  The  congregation  was  by  no  means  in  good  con- 
dition. Reference  to  its  condition  is  made  in  his  letter  of 
acceptance,  as  is  stated  elsewhere.  The  former  pastor  had 
not  been  paid  in  full,  and  the  consistory  comj)lains  that  he 
has  been  working  against  the  congregation.     Dr.  Bucher 


FIRST   CHURCH.  117 

was  an  aggressive  character,  aud  at  once  began  to  infuse 
new  life  into  the  congregation.  He  took  hokl  of  the  dif- 
ficult work  with  much  enthusiasm,  and  this  spirit  was  to 
a  large  extent  communicated  to  the  members.  The  peo- 
ple stood  by  him,  and  an  excellent  work  was  accomplished. 
Rev.  Dr.  Bucher  was  a  good  and  fluent  speaker.  He 
had  a  command  of  language  such  as  is  seldom  excelled. 
His  sermons  were  long.  Of  these  it  is  said  :  ''  They  were 
quite  long  enough  for  most  people."  A  member  of  the 
church,  still  living  at  the  time  of  writing,  aged  eighty 
years,  states  that  his  sermons  were  often  an  hour  and  a 
half  long.  On  one  occasion,  when  told  that  his  sermons 
were  too  long.  Dr.  Bucher  replied  that  where  he  came 
from,  if  a  minister  preached  less  than  an  hour  and  a  half, 
his  sermons  were  not  considered  as  of  much  account. 
The  same  must  be  said  of  his  prayers.  These  were  often 
as  long  as  many  present-day  sermons.  A  few  years  before 
his  death  he  assisted  at  a  service  which  the  writer 
attended.  Dr.  Bucher  offered  the  invocation.  We  con- 
cluded that  the  order  of  service  had  been  changed  and 
that  the  gentleman  was  offering  the  long  prayer.  To  his 
surprise  it  was  the  invocation.  An  interesting  story  is 
told  about  Dr.  Bucher's  long  prayers.  On  one  occasion 
he  attended  a  service  in  a  Methodist  church,  and  the  min- 
ister asked  him  to  offer  the  prayer.  Before  doing  so  Dr. 
B.  asked  of  the  pastor  the  text  for  his  sermon,  as  he 
always  tried  to  suit  the  prayer  to  the  sermon.  He  was 
given  the  text,  which  was  a  familiar  one,  and  Dr.  Bucher 
went  over  it  pretty  fully  in  the  prayer.  At  the  close  of 
it  the  pastor  said  to  the  people :  "  We  will  now  sing  a 
hymn  and  then  go  home.  The  brother  has  said  all  about 
the  sermon  that  needs  be  said." 


118  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Rev.  Dr.  Bucher's  sermons  were  not  only  very  long, 
but  quite  direct  and  pointed.  He  insisted  upon  practical 
and  experimental  religion.  He  fearlessly  preached  repent- 
ance and  faith  as  necessary  to  salvation.  Naturally  this 
course  aroused  opposition,  especially  among  those  who 
were  accustomed  to  a  merely  formal  religion.  Because  of 
his  earnestness  and  fervency  some  called  him  a  "  Straw- 
ler,"  an  opprobrious  epithet  formerly  applied  to  those 
who  employed  the  Anxious  Bench  system.  He  intro- 
duced ])rayer  meetings  in  the  "cellar"  of  the  church  and 
also  in  private  houses.  Pastor  Bucher  had  a  good  deal  of 
the  revival  spirit,  and  it  must  be  admitted  that  it  was  not 
out  of  place  at  a  time  when  earnest  piety  was  at  a  low 
ebb.  The  same  spirit  was  at  work  elsewhere,  and  at 
times  ran  to  excess.  Dr.  Bucher  always  claimed  that  he 
carried  on  his  work  within  proper  bounds. 

Pastor  Bucher's  vigorous  preaching  and  methods  of 
work  prompted  some  of  his  opponents  to  bring  matters  to 
the  attention  of  Lebanon  Classis.  This  body  asked  the 
consistory  for  a  statement  of  the  facts.  A  statement  of 
the  former  and  present  condition  of  the  congregation  was 
furnished  and  approved  by  classis.  The  propriety  of 
prayer  meetings  was  involved,  and  classis  gave  this 
deliverance  upon  the  subject  : 

"Resolved,  That  classis  regards  prayer  meetings  as  a 
duty  and  privilege,  and  as  a  means  of  grace  authorized  by 
the  Word  of  God  and  the  synod,  and  the  devotional  books 
of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  and  as  one  of  the  most 
efficient  means  of  promoting  the  piety,  real  peace  and 
prosperity  of  any  congregation  that  can  possibly  i)e  em- 
ployed. 

"Resolved,  That  "classis  must  and  will  sustain  the  said 
congregation    and   its    pastor   in    their    united    etibrts   to 


FIRST   CHURCH.  119 

increase  a  spirit  of  piety,  and  to  raise  the  staudard  of  gen- 
uine godliness  in  Reading  ;  and  that  we  do  highly  com- 
mend them  for  their  fearless  and  Christian  zeal  and  ardu- 
ous labors  in  introducing  prayer  meetings  and  family  re- 
ligion among  them. 

'^Reso'vedj  That  we  do  hope  they  will  not  be  intimi- 
dated by  the  threats  of  any  individuals,  but  will  go  for- 
ward in  the  work  of  reform  which  they  under  God  have 
commenced,  observing  throughout  the  doctrines  of  the 
Heidelberg  Catechism. 

"licsolved,  That  this  classis  heard  with  unfeigned 
pleasure  and  gratitude  to  Almighty  God  of  the  success 
which  has  attended  the  ministerial  labors  of  the  Rev.  J. 
C.  Bucher  in  the  congregation  of  the  German  Reformed 
Church  in  the  borough  of  Reading. 

"Resolved,  That  this  classis  cordially  approves  of 
brother  Bucher's  efforts  to  establish  Sabbath  schools,  intro- 
duce prayer  meetings  and  to  diffuse  a  spirit  of  revival  of 
religion  in  the  said  congregation  ;  that  we  affectionately 
sympathize  with  this  brother  under  the  opposition  which 
he  has  experienced  from  the  enemies  of  vital  piety  in  that 
quarter;  that  we  rejoice  with  the  brother  iu  the  abundant 
harvest  which  has  attended  his  labors  ;  that  the  consis- 
tory and  members  of  said  congregation  be  earnestly  ex- 
horted to  sustain  their  pastor  in  these  his  efforts  to  intro- 
duce a  better  state  of  things  among  them." 

One  motive  for  the  opposition  to  Rev.  Dr.  Bucher 
was  the  introduction  of  English  services  iu  the  evening. 
Some  of  the  older  members  were  decidedly  opposed  to  the 
innovation.  They  thought  it  boded  no  good  for  the  con- 
gregation, and  was  only  intended  to  bring  the  young  peo- 
ple together.  Dr.  B.  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  change. 
The  consistory  had  made  it,  but  people  did  not  stop  to 
consider  that  fact. 

Dr.  Bucher  preached  also  vigorously  against  the  sins 
of  the  community,  and  as  a  consequence  encountered  con- 


120  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

siderable  opposition  from  persous  outside  the  congrega- 
tiou.  One  of  the  local  papers  criticised  him.  He  replied 
from  the  pulpit,  and  urged  the  people  uot  to  allow  the 
paper  to  come  into  their  homes.  It  is  said  that  when  the 
paper  was  the  next  time  brought  to  the  homes  of  the  peo- 
ple, some  of  the  Reformed  members  threw  it  into  the 
street.     He  had  a  strong  hold  upon  his  followers. 

Dr.  Bucher's  earnest  preaching  caused  a  stir  iu  the 
town.  The  matter  was  discussed  iu  shops  and  stores. 
The  question  under  discussion  was  what  was  necessary  to 
salvation.  Some  one,  addressing  himself  to  the  old  organ- 
ist, asked:  "Well,  Mr.  Roland,  are  you  converted?" 
The  astonished  organist  replied  :  "  What !  How  dare  you 
question  my  salvation,  when  I  have  played  the  organ  for 
thirty  years  !"  Truly  there  is  only  a  step  from  the  sublime 
to  the  ridiculous. 

Some  of  Dr.  Bucher's  enemies  in  the  community  at 
one  time  suggested  his  election  to  the  office  of  constable. 
To  their  surprise  he  declared  his  readiness  to  serve  in 
this  position,  and  even  urged  his  friends  to  vote  for  him 
in  case  of  his  nomination.  When  his  enemies  heard  of 
this,  they  quietly  dropped  the  matter. 

A  great  affliction  befel  Dr.  Bucher's  household,  when 
in  1847  his  faithful  wife  died.  This  was  a  great  shock  to 
him,  which  in  connection  with  his  arduous  labors  impaired 
his  health.  These  facts  led  to  his  resignation  on  July  27 
of  the  year  following. 

Rev.  Dr.  Bucher  was  a  faithful  pastor.  During  the 
first  three  months  of  his  pastorate  in  Reading  he  visited 
about  two  hundred  families.  During  his  pastorate  here 
of  six  years  and  three  months  he  delivered  1929  sermons, 


\.y^^J^^<>--d^A^ji^-Y^y 


AUTOGRAPHS    OF    PASTORS    OF    FIRST    <HUK(  H. 


FIRST    CHURCH.  121 

lectures  and  addresses,  added  396  members  to  the  church, 
baptized  399  persons,  attended  1(J6  funerals,  married  108 
couples  and  made  4328  pastoral  visits. 

Dr.  Buc'ier  was  a  fearless  man.  He  had  the  courage 
of  his  convictions.  When  he  saw  that  the  interests  of  the 
congregation  required  a  change,  he  boldly  advocated  it. 
The  introduction  of  English  preaching  and  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Second  church  are  striking  examples  of  this. 

Rev.  Dr.  Bucher  resigned  the  Reading  pastorate  on 
July  27,  1848,  but  continued  to  reside  here  until  April 
1,  1849,  when  he  removed  to  Mercersburg.  In  1850  he 
accepted  the  agency  to  raise  .$25,000  in  Lancaster  city  and 
county,  which  was  one  of  the  conditions  for  the  removal 
of  Marshall  6'ollege  from  Mercersburg  to  Lancaster,  and 
its  union  with  Franklin  College  at  the  latter  place.  This 
was  an  herculean  task  at  that  time,  but  he  accomplished  it 
successfully,  and  the  colleges  were  united  in  1853.  Sub- 
sequently Dr.  Bucher  served  pastoral  charges  in  Cumber- 
land and  Union  counties,  and  at  Pottsville,  Pa.  He  died 
at  Lewisburg,  Pa.,  Nov.  15,  1888,  aged  84  years,  4 
months  and  27  days. 

In    1870  Franklin    and   Marshall    College   conferred 
upon  Mr.  Bucher  the  title  of  D.  D. 
9 


122  HISTORY   OF    KEFORMED   CHURCH. 


11.— Rev.  A.  S.  Leinbach,  D.  D.,  1848-1863. 

Ou  March  28,  1848,  the  congregation  elected  Rev. 
Aaron  S.  Leinbach  as  assistant  pastor,  but  he  declined 
the  call.  He  was  then  pastor  of  the  Pahnyra  charge,  Pa. 
This  was  in  the  early  spring  of  the  last  year  of  Dr.  Buch- 
er's  pastorate.  Dr.  Bucher  resigned  on  July  27,  1848, 
and  the  congregation  without  delay  elected  Rev.  Mr.  Lein- 
bach as  pastor.  In  the  call  he  was  promised  a  salary  of 
|50()  per  year,  a  house  rent  free  and  the  free  service  of  a 
family  physician.  Of  those  signing  the  call  only  Mr. 
John  F.  Moers  remains  at  the  time  of  writing. 

Mr.  Leinbach  accepted  the  call  on  August  4,  1848, 
and  served  until  1863.  He  was  installed  on  October  8, 
1848,  by  a  committee  of  Lebanon  Classis,  consisting  of 
Revs.  J.  W.  Hoffmeier,  Tliomas  H.  Leinbach  and  Charles 
F.  Hoffmeier.  Rev.  J.  W.  Hoffmeier  delivered  the  ad- 
dress to  the  new  pastor,  and  Rev.  C.  F.  Hoffmeier  ad- 
dressed the  congregation  and  led  in  prayer.  Rev.  T.  H. 
Leinbach,  the  father  of  the  new  pastor,  preached  a  ser- 
mon on  1  Tim.  4  :  12. 

Hitherto  the  congregation  was  known  as  "  the  German 
Reformed  Church  of  Reading,"  but  from  that  time  on  it  is 
called  "  the  First  German  Reformed  Church,"  on  account 
of  the  organization  of  the  Second  Reformed  churcli  in  1848. 

On  January  8,  1849,  the  consistory  granted  the  re- 
quest of  the  Second  church   to  liold   their  services  every 


FIRST    CHURCH.  123 

second  Sabbath  afternoon  in  the  First  church.  It  was 
directed  that  all  ordinary  collections  of  the  Second  con- 
gregation should  be  paid  into  the  treasury  of  the  First 
church. 

On  July  30,  1849,  the  congregation  again  took  up  the 
work  of  remodeling  the  church.  The  matter  had  been 
allowed  to  rest  since  April  of  the  previous  year.  By  a 
vote  of  32  to  1 2  it  was  resolved  to  remodel  the  church. 
(For  particulars  see  chapter  on  churches.) 

On  November  12,  1849,  the  consistory  declared  its 
"  willingness  to  devote  the  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  the 
cemetery  to  the  erection  of  a  church  for  the  English  por- 
tion of  the  congregation." 

In  February  of  1850  the  consistory  for  the  first  time 
resolved  to  rent  pews  in  the  church.  In  the  following 
year  Easter  Monday  was  designated  as  the  day  for  the 
renting  of  the  pews,  and  this  custom  has  ever  since  been 
continued.  The  introduction  of  the  pew  system  was  a 
new  thing  and  occasioned  some  difficulties,  but  it  increased 
the  income  of  the  congregation  largely. 

In  1850  a  great  freshet  occurred  at  Reading,  by  which 
many  Reformed  people  suffered  heavy  losses.  A  collection 
was  taken  in  the  church  to  aid  the  sufferers. 

On  July  11,  1850,  the  Second  church  was  given  per- 
mission to  call  a  pastor,  and  the  consistory  agreed  to  pay 
$250  for  one  year  toward  his  salary.  The  consistory  of 
the  First  church  desired  that  Rev.  Moses  Kieffer  be  called 
as  pastor.  This  was  done.  On  September  10,  1850,  at  a 
meeting  called  for  the  purpose  the  First  congregation,  af- 
ter the  matter  had  been  fully  explained  to  them  by  the 
pastors,  Rev.  A.  S.  Leinbach  and  Rev.  M.  Kieffer,  decided 


124  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

"  to  sell  the  cemetery  aud  use  the  proceeds  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a  church  for  the  Second  congregation." 

The  cemetery  in  question  was  the  property  at  the 
southeastern  corner  of  Sixth  and  Walnut  streets.  It  em- 
braced three  original  lots,  and  was  180  feet  fronting  on 
Sixth  street  by  230  feet  along  Walnut  street  to  Reed 
street.  The  property  was  valued  at  about  $4500.  It  was 
sold  for  exactly  this  figure — a  part  on  April  31,  1851,  to 
James  L.  Dunn  for  S2500 ;  another  part  on  March  29, 
1854,  to  Mr.  Dunn  for  $500  ;  aud  the  balance  on  the 
latter  date  to  William  Mcltvain  for  |1500.  The  ground 
is  at  present  owned  by  these  persons  :  C.  G.  Derr,  es([., 
100  feet;  George  L.  Kestner,  jr.,  20  feet;  Charles  Cork- 
hill,  20  feet ;  Dr.  F.  H  Brobst,  20  feet,  and  estate  of  Geo. 
L.  Kestner,  sr.,  20  feet.  The  ground  alone  would  now 
bring  S45,000,  ten  times  as  much  as  was  received  for  it 
fifty  years  ago.  The  house  at  141  North  Sixth  street  was 
long  the  home  of  Dr.  C.  F.  McCauley. 

The  founding  of  Charles  Evans'  Cemetery  in  1846 
made  the  continuation  of  this  new  Reformed  cemetery 
unnecessary.  Only  a  few  lots  had  so  far  been  sold,  and 
there  were  only  a  few  graves  on  the  ground.  The  money 
paid  by  lot  holders  was  returned  to  them,  and  the  deeds 
returned  to  the  congregation,  so  that  a  clear  title  could  be 
given. 

Unfortunately  the  Second  congregation  never  received 
the  money  realized  from  the  sale  of  the  cemetery  as  above 
stated.  The  congregation  proceeded  with  the  erection  of 
a  church,  expecting  to  receive  the  S4500,  but  was  sorely 
disappointed  and  embarrassed.  The  Second  church  move- 
ment came  very  near  being  defeated  in   this  way.     When 


FIRST    CHURCH.  125 

the  Second  congregation  asked  for  the  money  which  had 
been  promised,  the  reply  was  that  the  First  church  coukl 
not  under  its  charter  "  grant  any  money  or  gift  to  any 
person."  (The  writer  has  carefully  examined  the  First 
church's  charter  and  failed  to  find  any  such  prohibition.) 
It  appears  that  with  a  change  in  the  personnel  of  the  First 
church  consistory  a  change  of  feeling  had  also  taken  place, 
and  the  action  of  the  congregation  of  Sept.  10,  1850,  was 
repudiated.  This  is  a  sad  chapter  in  the  long  history  of 
the  mother  church.  The  record  of  the  Second  church 
states  that  some  of  the  members  of  the  First  church  urged 
that  the  promise  should  be  fulfilled,  and  that  a  comprom- 
ise on  S2500  was  reached.  This  appears  to  be  well 
founded,  for  the  record  of  the  First  church  states  that  on 
March  10,  1851,  its  consistory  received  a  communication 
from  the  Second  church  asking  "  when  and  how  it  would 
pay  the  promised  ►$2500."  The  reply  was  that  the  First 
church  could  not  under  its  charter  "  grant  any  money  or 
gift  to  any  person."  A  proposition  was  made  at  the  same 
time  to  loan  the  Second  church  $2500  for  fifty  years  at 
one  per  cent,  interest  per  annum,  but  the  resolution  was 
lost  by  a  tie  vote.  One  member  refused  to  vote  and  an- 
other quickly  left  the  meeting.  In  connection  with  this 
matter  it  was  stated  that  Rev.  Mr.  Kieifer,  pastor  of  the 
Second  church,  had  secured  nearly  $3000  in  subscriptions 
from  members  of  the  First  church. 

On  August  11,  1851,  the  salary  of  Pastor  Leiubach 
was  increased  from  $500  to  $600. 

In  May  of  1852  the  Second  church  asked  the  First 
church  to  sell  the  unused  part  of  the  cemetery  to  the 
former  church,  which  offered  to  give  a  mortgage  upon  its 


126  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

house  of  worship.  The  proposition  was  declined  by  the 
First  church  on  the  ground  that  the  charter  was  in  the  way. 

In  July  of  1852  the  Second  congregation  came  before 
the  consistory  of  the  First  church  with  a  most  important 
proposition.  It  had  purchased  a  site  on  South  Sixth 
street  and  commenced  the  erection  of  a  large  church,  but 
now  found  itself  unable  to  complete  the  same.  It  had 
calculated  upon  receiving  the  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  a 
portion  of  the  graveyard  of  the  First  church,  as  promised 
by  the  congregation,  but  was  disappointed,  as  stated.  The 
Second  church  had  exhausted  its  resources,  and  could  pro- 
ceed no  farther.  It  therefore  proposed  to  unite  the 
two  congregations.  The  Second  church  property  with  its 
debts  was  to  be  turned  over  to  the  mother  church  upon 
the  sole  condition  that  the  members  of  the  infant  flock 
should  be  received  back  into  the  fold  of  the  mother  church. 
Among  the  advantages  of  the  plan  it  was  stated  that  all 
jealousies  would  be  removed,  and  that  the  debt  would  not 
be  oppressive  upon  a  united  congregation.  The  debt  of 
the  Second  church  was  $7138.50.  At  the  same  time  the 
First  church  had  a  debt  of. $1200. 

The  whole  matter  was  referred  to  a  congregational 
meeting  of  the  First  church  on  August  1,  1852.  After  a 
lengthy  discussion  the  plan  was  voted  down  by  60  to  17 
votes.  At  the  same  time  a  resolution  was  adopted  by  the 
congregation  declaring  its  willingness  to  aid  the  Second 
church  by  every  honorable  and  legitimate  means. 

On  Dec.  13,  1852,  a  contract  was  made  with  Mr. 
Samuel  Bohler  for  the  erection  of  a  new  organ  for  $1600, 
he  taking  the  old  organ  at  $600.  The  new  organ  was 
dedicated  on  May  8,  1853,  when  Dr.  Philip  Schaif 
preached  the  dedicatory  sermon. 


FIRST   CHUECH.  127 

On  July  5,  1853,  Dr.  A.  S.  Leinbach  offered  his  resig- 
nation on  account  of  impaired  health.  He  was  of  the 
opinion  that  a  country  pastorate  would  be  better  for  his 
health.  The  consistory  declined  to  accept  the  resigna- 
tion, but  suggested  that  only  one  weekly  meeting  be  held, 
instead  of  two,  and  that  a  substitute  preacher  be  secured 
every  four  weeks.  At  the  same  time  the  pastor's  salary 
was  increased  $100  per  year.  It  was  also  suggested  that 
Dr.  Leinbach  occasionally  exchange  pulpits  with  country 
preachers.     The  plan  was  accepted  by  the  pastor. 

In  the  summer  of  1855  Prof.  B.  F.  Moers,  the  organ- 
ist, died.  The  organ  was  draped  in  mourning.  Judge 
Daniel  Yoimg  served  temporarily  as  organist.  The  posi- 
tion was  offered  him,  but  he  declined  it.  Daniel  Bohler 
was  elected  as  successor.  He  promised  to  take  lessons  on 
a  pipe  organ  to  increase  his  proficiency.  Mr.  Bohler 
resigned  in  1860,  and  Prof.  J.  E.  Hoeffer  was  elected. 

In  the  year  1856  a  large  bell  was  purchased  for  S768 
and  the  two  old  bells  from  Meneely  &  Co.  George  Foos 
hung  the  bell  for  $78.  In  1859  a  bell  clapper  and  toll- 
ing hammer  were  secured. 

For  a  long  time  the  church  was  without  a  parsonage 
until  1875.  At  various  times  efforts  were  made  to  erect 
or  purchase  one,  but  the  plans  always  failed.  In  the  early 
part  of  1858  inquiry  was  made  as  to  the  price  for  the  lot 
next  to  James  Jameson's  house,  second  door  above  the 
court  house.     Nothing  came  of  the  effort. 

Hitherto  the  congregation  had  furnished  the  pastor 
with  a  house.  In  February,  1859,  his  salary  was  in- 
creased to  §1000,  but  he  was  to  secure  his  own  house. 


128  HISTORY   OP^    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

In  the  fall  of  1S59  the  Secoud  church  made  another 
appeal  to  the  mother  church  for  aid  in  its  financial  diffi- 
culties. The  consistory  referred  the  matter  to  the  First 
congregation,  which  met  on  October  17.  After  rejecting 
a  resolution  to  loan  the  Second  church  money  on  mort- 
gage, it  was  agreed  to  take  up  a  subscription.  The  sum 
of  $400  was  raised  at  the  meeting. 

On  November  9  of  the  same  year  Rev.  Dr.  Bomberg- 
er,  of  Philadelphia,  made  an  earnest  ap])eal  to  the  congre- 
gation for  aid  for  the  Second  church.  It  was  proposed 
that  the  congregation  pledge  itself  to  raise  §2500,  but  this 
Avas  not  agreed  to.  It  was  agreed  that  the  resolution  of  a 
previous  meeting,  to  raise  money  by  subscription,  should 
be  carried  out.  It  was  later  made  a  condition  of  such 
subscriptions  that  in  the  event  of  the  property  of 
the  Second  church  passing  into  another  denomination,  the 
money  should  be  refunded. 

In  1862  the  large  bell  purchased  in  1856  was  cracked, 
and  on  June  30,  1862,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  ex- 
change the  broken  bell  for  two  new  ones  upon  the  most 
favorable  terms  possible. 

The  congregation  was  nearing  a  new  crisis.  In  1855 
Pastor  Leinbach  commenced  to  serve  Schwarzwald  church 
below  Reading  in  connection  with  the  First  church  in 
this  city.  In  the  course  of  time  it  came  to  be  felt  that 
the  city  church  required  the  whole  time  and  attention  of 
the  pastor.  On  Dec.  15,  1862,  the  consistory  adopted  a 
resolution  which  declared  that  the  spiritual  and  temporal 
interests  of  the  church  retpiired  the  undivided  services  of 
the  pastor.  The  action  of  a  former  consistory  granting 
the  pastor  permission  to  serve   other   congregations   was 


FIRST    CHURCH.  129 

rescinded,  aud  it  was  directed  that  the  pastor's  service  at 
Schwarzwald  chiircli  should  cease  on  the  first  day  of  April 
followiug. 

Pastor  Leinbach  did  not  take  the  same  view  of  the 
matter,  and  presented  his  resignation  on  Jan.  6,  18G3,  to 
take  effect  on  the  first  Sunday  of  March  followiug.  He, 
however,  expressed  his  willingness  to  supply  the  congre- 
gation until  after  the  Easter  communion,  so  as  to  finish 
his  catechetical  instruction.  The  consistory  accepted  the 
resignation.  Various  efforts  were  made  by  members  to 
induce  the  Lebanon  Classis  not  to  dissolve  the  pastoral 
relation,  but  without  success.  Dr.  Leinbach  closed  his 
labors  in  the  First  church  with  the  Easter  communion  of 
1863.  He  had  endeared  himself  to  many  who  regretted 
his  departure.  During  his  pastor.ite  of  fourteen  and  one- 
half  years  the  congregation  had  increased  from  425  lo 
about  1000  members.  During  this  ])eriod  the  population 
of  the  city  increased  from  about  15,000  to  25,000. 

Rev.  a.  8.  Leinbach,  D.  D. 

Dr.  Leinbach  was  a  member  of  a  priestly  family.  His 
father  was  a  minister,  as  was  an  uncle,  two  brothers,  one 
son,  one  cousin,  one  brother-in-law,  one  nephew,  and  sev- 
eral other  more  distant  relatives.  He  was  born  on  July 
20,  1825,  in  Spring  township,  near  Reading,  Pa.,  in  the 
house  now  occupied  by  Beuueville  Krick.  He  was  one 
of  a  family  of  thirteen  children.  His  parents  were  Rev. 
Thomas  H.  aud  Elizabeth  {nee  Seibert)  Leinbach.  Soon 
after  the  birth  of  Aaron  S.  the  family  removed  to  Tulpe- 
hocken,  Lebanon  county,  Pa.,  where  the  father  was  a  long 
time  Reformed  pastor.     The  son  pursued  his  preparatory 


130  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

studies  at  Womelsdorf  aud  Myerstowu,  and  subsequently 
entered  Marshall  College  at  Mercersburg  in  1842,  and 
graduated  from  it  in  184(3.  He  then  entered  the  semi- 
nary at  the  same  place,  and  graduated  from  it  in  1848. 
He  was  licensed  by  Lebanon  Classis  on  May  16  of  the 
same  year.  Soon  after  he  received  a  call  from  the  Pal- 
myra charge  in  Lebanon  county,  and  was  ordained  by 
Lebanon  Classis.  After  serv^ing  the  Palmyra  charge  only 
a  few  months,  he  was  called  to  Reading. 

Mr.  Leinbach  came  to  Reading  when  in  his  twenty- 
third  year.  Here  he  found  a  large  field  for  his  activity. 
His  predecessor,  Dr.  J.  C.  Bucher,  had  tilled  the  soil 
zealously  and  ploughed  deep.  But  Dr.  Leinbach  did  not 
fall  in  with  all  the  methods  used  by  Dr.  Bucher.  He  was 
of  a  more  conservative  temper,  and  employed  only  the  cus- 
tomary churchly  methods.  Some  few  members  who  had 
been  ardent  followers  of  Dr.  B.  are  said  to  have  left  the 
Reformed  Church  at  this  time  and  united  with  others  in 
organizing  Zion's  U.  B.  church. 

Dr.  Leinbach  entered  upon  his  duties  on  Sept.  8, 1848, 
and  successfully  served  the  congregation  for  14|  years 
until  Easter  of  1863.  The  work  was  difficult  and  labor- 
ious. The  two  languages  were  in  use.  The  city  was 
growing  and  so  was  the  congregation.  Large  classes  of 
catechumens  were  instructed  and  confirmed,  and  there 
were  many  funerals.  In  1855  he  also  undertook  the  pas- 
torate of  Schwarzwald  church,  near  Reading,  and  served 
it  until  August  18,  1895,  a  period  of  forty  years.  During 
a  portion  of  his  labors  in  Reading  his  health  was  im- 
paired, and  in  1853  he  offered  his  resignation.  The  con- 
sistory declined  to  accept  it  and  suggested  several   ways 


FIRST    CHURCH.  131 

by  which  the  burdens  of  the  pastor  might  be  lightened. 
He  therefore  continued  in  office  until  Easter  of  1863, 
when  his  resignation  took  effect. 

Subsequently  Dr.  Leinbach  served  a  number  of  coun- 
try congregations.  At  one  time  he  served  eight  or  nine 
congregations,  but  during  the  latter  part  of  his  active  min- 
istry only  five,  viz.,  Schwarzwald,  Spiess,  Alsace,  Hinner- 
shitz  and  Shaker's.  During  about  fifteen  years  he  was 
assisted  by  his  son,  Rev.  John  H.  Leinbach,  until  the  lat- 
ter's  death.  In  July  of  1895  Dr.  Leinbach  resigned  his 
charge  on  account  of  failing  health,  and  lived  retired  until 
his  death  in  June  of  1896.  On  account  of  his  extensive 
field  of  labor  he  was  frequently  obliged  to  preach  three 
times  a  Sunday,  and  travel  a  great  deal.  On  account  of 
numerous  funerals  he  was  exposed  to  all  kinds  of  weather. 

From  the  time  of  his  ordination  to  August  18,  1895, 
Dr.  Leinbach  baptized  7729  persons,  confirmed  3437, 
buried  4289  and  married  2829  couples. 

Following  are  the  periods  of  his  service  at  the  several 
churches  : 

At  Schwarzwald,  July  1,  1855  ;  at  Shalter's,  May  1, 
1864  J  at  Hinnershitz  church,  October  8,  1H71  ;  at  Alsace, 
October  8,  1871,  and  at  Spiess  church,  March  23,  1873. 
These  five  he  served  until  July,  1895.  He  also  served 
the  following  congregations  :  Immanuel,  Hamburg,  from 
April  24,  1864,  to  June  10,  1866  ;  St.  Michael's,  Upper 
Bern,  from  August  7,  1864,  to  September  29,  1867  ;  St. 
John's,  Robeson,  from  May  22,  1864,  to  June  29,  1873; 
Mohrsville,  from  January  22,  1865,  to  January  23, 1881  ; 
Bern  church,  from  July  25,  1875,  to  August  12,  1883; 
Leesport  church,  from  June  26,  1870,  to  Jan.  23,  1881. 


132  HISTORY   OF   EEFORMED   CHURCH. 

In  1886  the  title  of  D.  D.  was  conferred  upou  him  by 
FraukHu  and  Marshall  Colleire. 

Several  years  before  his  death  Dr.  Lei u bach  organized 
St.  Thomas'  Reformed  church  on  North  Eleventh  street, 
Reading,  and  served  it  several  years.  He  also  aided  the 
congregation  liberally  in  the  erection  of  its  substantial 
church. 

Dr.  Leiubach  died  on  June  22,  1896,  at  his  residence 
in  Reading  of  catarrh  of  the  stomach,  aged  70  years,  11 
months  and  2  days.  He  was  survived  by  his  wife,  one 
sou,  three  daughters  and  eight  grandchildren.  His  burial 
took  place  on  Saturday,  June  27.  The  services  were  held 
in  St.  Paul's  church,  which  was  crowded.  Dr.  B.  Baus- 
man  preached  the  sermon.  Interment  was  made  in 
Charles  Evans'  Cemetery. 

Dr.  Leiubach  was  married  on  January  8,  1850,  to 
Miss  Eliza  Amanda  Schantz  by  Rev.  Jeremiah  Schindel. 
The  fruit  of  their  union  was  nine  children,  of  whom  four 
are  still  living — one  son  and  three  daughters.  Mrs.  Leiu- 
bach died  on  August  13,  1867,  aged  38  years,  3  months 
and  29  days.  On  November  2,  1869,  Dr.  Leiubach  was 
married  to  Miss  Ann  Elizabeth  ^Yetzel  by  Rev.  John  A. 
Peters.     She  is  still  living. 


FIEST   CHURCH.  133 


12.— Rev.  B.  Bausman,  D.  D.,  1863-1872. 

After  the  withdrawal  of  Dr.  A.  S.  Leiubach  ou  Easter, 
1863,  the  congregation  was  vacant  during  the  summer  un- 
til the  beginning  of  winter.  It  was  supplied  by  various 
ministers.  Meanwhile  the  consistory  was  looking  about 
for  a  new  pastor.  Where  should  he  come  from  ?  It  was 
a  critical  juncture  and  an  important  epoch  in  the  history 
of  the  congregation.  A  strong  man  was  needed.  The 
city  was  rapidly  growing,  and  the  congregation  had  be- 
come large.  It  was  felt  that  a  firm  hand  was  required  to 
guide  the  people.  Then  it  was  also  felt  that  a  more  pro- 
gressive spirit  must  be  infused  into  the  flock  to  keep 
abreast  with  the  onward  movement  of  other  churches. 

The  attention  of  the  consistory  was  called  to  Rev. 
Benjamin  Bausman,  then  pastor  of  Zion's  Reformed 
church,  Chambersburg,  Pa.  He  was  invited  to  preach 
German  and  English  trial  sermons,  which  he  did  in  the 
summer  of  1863.  On  August  10  he  was  unanimously 
elected  pastor.  A  call  was  issued  and  signed  by  Daniel 
Young,  A.  F.  Boas,  Isaac  McHose,  Daniel  Wiegner, 
elders ;  and  G.  W.  Clewell,  Geo.  A.  B.  Feather,  Gideon 
Knabb,  Samuel  Klopp,  Harrison  W.  Smith,  deacons.  All 
these  officers  have  gone  to  their  reward  except  Mr.  Mc- 
Hose. A  committee  of  five  gentlemen,  consisting  of 
Messrs.  Isaac  McHose,  Daniel  Young,  Adam  Leize,  F.  S. 
Bickley  and  Edward  Mull,  proceeded  to  Chambersburg, 
laid  the  call  upon  Dr.  Bausman's  table  and  presented  ar- 


134  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

guments  why  he  should  accept  it.  Besides  "all  proper 
attention,  love  and  obedience  in  the  Lord"  the  call  prom- 
ised a  salary  of  $1000  per  year.  Dr.  Bausman  was  in  no 
hurry  about  deciding  the  matter.  It  was  a  difficult  prob- 
lem for  him.  The  people  of  Chambersburg  were  as  loath 
to  let  their  pastor  go  away  as  the  people  of  Reading  were 
anxious  to  secure  him.  On  the  one  hand  was  a  pleasant 
charge  and  a  united  people  ;  on  the  other  hand  was  much 
hard  work  in  a  large  town.  The  people  of  Chambersburg 
sent  a  numerously  signed  petition  to  Mercersburg  Classis 
praying  that  body  not  to  dissolve  the  pastoral  relation,  but 
without  success. 

With  Dr.  Bausman  the  only  question  was,  what  is  the 
will  of  the  Lord?  After  prayerful  consideration  he  ac- 
cepted the  call  on  October  2,  1863,  and  was  installed  on 
November  1  in  the  presence  of  a  congregation  which 
crowded  the  church,  by  a  committee  of  Lebanon  Classis, 
consisting  of  Revs.  Geo.  Wolff,  Henry  Harbaugh,  C.  F. 
McCauley  and  William  A.  Good.  All  of  these  have 
entered  into  rest.  Dr.  McCauley,  the  pastor  of  the  Sec- 
ond church,  had  urged  Dr.  Bausman  to  come  to  Reading, 
and  he  received  the  new  fellow-laborer  with  much  kind- 
ness. The  two  labored  together  in  great  harmony,  and 
to  this  fact  is  owing  in  great  measure  the  subsequent  prog- 
ress of  the  Reformed  Church  in  Reading. 

The  new  pastor  was  not  well,  and  he  entered  upon  the 
work  with  the  fear  that  he  would  break  down  under  it. 
Before  accepting  the  call  he  had  consulted  a  well-known 
physician  in  Reading,  who  said  :  "  Yes,  come,  the  work  is 
difficult,  but  it  is  worth  the  life  of  a  good  man."  The 
new  pastor  looked   pale  and  thin,  and    some   asked   the 


FIRST   CHURCH.  135 

question  :  "  What  do  you  waut  with  this  sick  man  in 
Reading  ?"  But  the  Lord  had  a  work  for  him  here.  He 
was  sustained  through  two  long  and  very  arduous  pastor- 
ates of  over  forty  years,  and  has  outlived  all  those  who 
had  raised  the  above  (|uestion  at  his  coming.  It  is  true, 
soon  after  entering  upon  his  work  he  had  a  spell  of  severe 
illness,  during  which  Dr.  J.  C.  Bucher,  a  former  pastor, 
supplied  the  pulpit. 

At  that  time  Reading  had  a  population  of  about  25,- 
000.  The  Civil  War  was  still  in  progress.  Hon.  Joseph 
S.  Hoyer,  an  officer  of  the  First  church,  was  then  mayor 
of  the  city.  Reading  had  two  Reformed  churches — the 
First  with  about  1000  members,  and  the  Second  with  200 
members,  who  were  still  struggling  to  place  their  congre- 
gation on  a  firm  footing. 

After  looking  over  the  ground  and  becoming  acquainted 
with  the  available  material.  Pastor  Bausman  sought  to  or- 
ganize the  people  for  practical  church  work.  Hitherto 
there  were  no  societies  of  any  kind.  His  great  point  was 
to  set  the  people  to  work.  He  put  his  hand  upon  many 
of  them  and  said  :  "  The  Lord  hath  need  of  thee."  He 
gathered  a  number  into  groups  and  started  mission  Sun- 
day schools.  The  first  effort  in  this  direction  was  the  or- 
ganization of  St.  John's  mission  school.  He  purchased  a 
lot  at  Ninth  and  Chestnut  streets,  and  erected  a  frame 
chapel  upon  it.  The  same  was  done  in  connection  with 
the  beginning  of  Emanuel's  school  on  North  Tenth  street, 
which  was  eventually  developed  into  St.  Stephen's  church. 
Dr.  Bausman  preached  numerous  sermons  on  church  ex- 
tension, which  was  rather  unpopular  among  some  of  the 
people  at  that  time. 


136  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

During  the  early  part  of  Dr.  Bailsman's  pastorate  au 
interesting  meeting  was  held  in  the  First  church.  During 
the  year  lS(j.3  the  Reformed  Church  celebrated  the  three 
hundredth  anniversary  of  the  adoption  of  the  Heidelberg 
Catechism,  The  celebration  was  opened  with  a  conven- 
tion in  Piiiladelphia,  Jan.  19  to  23,  18G:>.  Among  the 
many  excellent  papers  read  was  one  by  Rev.  Dr.  B.  Baus- 
man  on  "Catechetics  and  Catechetical  Instruction."  The 
celebration  was  brought  to  a  close  by  a  convention  held  in 
the  First  church,  Reading,  May  21  to  25,  18«34.  The 
congregation  entertained  the  delegates,  of  whom  there 
were  233.  During  the  convention  Dr.  Henry  Harbaugh 
was  installed  as  a  professor  in  the  seminary  at  Mercers- 
burg.  (For  further  particulars  of  convention  see  Chapter 
on  "  Miscellaneous.") 

One  of  the  first  important  acts  during  the  new  pastor- 
ate was  the  payment  of  a  floating  debt  of  considerable 
size.  During  a  number  of  the  preceding  years  the  finances 
of  the  congregation  do  not  appear  to  have  been  managed 
Avith  very  great  efficiency.  Money  had  been  borrowed 
from  time  to  time.  In  1860  alone  |900  was  borrowed. 
In  some  instances  the  interest  on  loans  was  not  paid  for  a 
number  of  years.  In  1864  the  amount  of  borrowed 
money  with  interest  aggregated  nearly  §3000.  The  pas- 
tor insisted  that  the  debt  must  be  paid.  Committees  were 
appointed  to  secure  subscriptions,  and  in  a  short  time 
more  than  enough  money  had  been  secured  to  pay  the 
whole  debt. 

In  1864  the  consistory  for  the  first  time  granted  the 
pastor  a  vacation  of  one  month  from  the  middle  of  July. 
The  minutes  call  it  a  ''  furlouirh." 


FIRST   CHURCH.  137 

On  January  30,  18G5,  the  congregation  adopted  a  new 
constitution. 

On  July  30,  1864,  the  Southern  army  destroyed  a 
large  portion  of  the  town  of  Chambersburg,  Pa.,  by  fire. 
Included  in  the  destruction  was  the  printing  establishment 
of  the  Ileformed  Church,  and  the  loss  incurred  was  large. 
The  synod  of  1865  elected  Dr.  Bausman  as  special  agent 
to  collect  funds  for  the  use  of  the  establishment.  Dr.  S. 
R.  Fisher  and  elder  John  Wiest  on  October  31  waited 
upon  the  consistory  and  requested  its  consent  to  the  plan, 
which  was  granted.  Rev.  Dr.  Bausman  devoted  much 
time  and  energy  to  this  work,  and  succeeded  in  securing 
the  sum  of -$18,000  in  cash  and  subscriptions. 

On  Nov.  6,  1865,  Mr.  John  E.  Hoeffer,  the  organist, 
tendered  his  resignation,  and  it  was  accepted.  He  had 
served  since  1860.  During  a  period  of  ten  mouths  the 
organ  was  played  by  various  persons.  On  Sept.  3,  1866, 
Mr.  Albert  Ritter  was  elected  organist  at  a  salary  of  $400 
per  year.  During  the  interval  between  the  resignation  of 
jNIr.  Hoeffer  and  the  election  of  Mr.  Ritter,  the  organ  was 
played  by  various  persons,  including  Judge  Daniel  Young, 
Mr.  Ritter  and  Mr.  Bachman.  Mr.  Ritter  served  until  the 
latter  part  of  1867.     His  successor  was  Prof.  Brewster. 

On  Jan.  8,  1866,  the  pastor's  salary  was  increased 
from  81000  to  81200,  and  that  of  the  sexton  from  8200 
to  8250. 

On  account  of  frequent  requests  for  the  use  of  the 
chureh  for  various  purposes,  such  as  High  School  Com- 
meocements,  etc.,  the  consistory  on  June  10,  1866,  re- 
solved that  the  church  should  be  used  for  no  other  than 
religious  purposes. 
10 


138  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

When  Dr.  Bausman  was  called  to  Reading,  it  was 
clearly  understood  by  some  of  the  members  of  the  First 
church  that  a  movement  for  the  organization  of  a  new 
congregation  and  the  erection  of  a  new  church  should 
be  started.  There  were  at  least  two  reasons  for  such  a 
step.  In  the  first  place  the  flock  had  become  too  large 
for  one  shepherd.  It  was  impossible  for  him  to  care 
properly  for  so  many  souls.  Secondly,  the  importance  of 
having  another  English  congregation  was  apparent  to  all 
who  had  the  interest  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  Reading; 
at  heart.  In  the  First  church  both  languages  were  used. 
One  Sunday  the  morning  service  was  held  in  German  and 
the  evening  service  in  English,  and  vice  versa  on  the  fol- 
lowing Sunday.  The  congregation  was  divided  by  lan- 
guages, and  each  jiortion  had  only  one  service  a  day. 
One  result  was  that  when  the  German  service  was  held, 
many  members  of  the  congregation,  including  most  of  the 
young  people,  would  either  go  to  other  churches  or  remain 
at  home.  However,  whilst  the  need  of  a  new  congrega- 
tion and  church  was  clear,  the  way  to  accomplish  such  a 
great  purpose  was  not  so  ai)parent.  Securing  a  site  and 
erecting  a  church  such  as  was  needed  involved  the  ex- 
penditure of  a  large  amount  of  money.  Plans  were  pri- 
vately discussed,  but  views  differed. 

The  first  official  step  in  this  great  matter  was  taken  by 
the  consistory  on  Dec.  4,  ]805,  when  it  was  resolved  to 
call  a  congregational  meeting  on  the  first  day  of  January, 
1866,  at  2  ]).  m.,  to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety 
of  ap])lying  to  the  Legislature  for  authority  to  sell  a  por- 
tion of  the  graveyard  belonging  to  the  congregation  and  ■ 
use  the  ])roceeds  for  the  erection  of  a   new  church.     The 


FIRST   CHURCH.  139 

congregation  resolved  to  appoint  a  committee  to  ascertain 
the  value  of  the  ground,  and  also  the  cost  of  removing  the 
dead.  The  committee  was  also  to  ascertain  how  much 
money  could  be  raised  for  a  new  church,  and  to  report  on 
January  15.  On  the  latter  day  tiie  committee  reported 
the  estimated  cost  of  the  removal  of  the  dead  at  |3000 
and  the  value  of  the  ground  at  $24,000,  Afterward 
seven  lots  were  sold  for  more  than  this  sum. 

Charles  Evans'  Cemetery  Company  offered  sufficient 
ground  for  the  re-interment  of  the  dead  at  3  cents  per 
square  foot,  which  was  one-half  the  regular  rate.  Af- 
ter a  full  discussion  of  the  matter,  the  voting  upon  the 
proposition  was  postponed  to  another  adjourned  meeting 
to  be  iield  on  January  22,  from  2  to  5  and  7  to  9  p.  m. 

On  January  22  sixty-six  members  of  the  congregation 
voted — 18  for  and  48  against  the  proposition  to  sell  the 
graveyard  and  use  the  proceeds  for  a  new  church. 

On  March  5,  1866,  the  pastor  was  authorized  by  the 
consistory  to  organize  a  benevolent  society  and  to  report  a 
j)lan  for  its  government.  At  an  adjourned  meeting  of 
tiif  consistory  on  March  19  the  pastor  ])rescnted  a  consti- 
tution for  the  proposed  society,  which  was  adopted.  The 
society  was  to  consist  of  botli  sexes.  The  consistory  ap- 
pointed the  first  officers  :  President,  Dr.  B.  Bausmau ; 
'  secretary,  Cyrus  Rick  ;  treasurer,  Peres  Hain.  The  city 
\\  as  divided  into  six  wards  and  three  persons  were  appointed 
for  each  ward  as  a  committee.  The  efficiency  of  this  new 
society  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  already  on  October  1  of 
the  same  year  it  disbursed  $500 — $200  forborne  missions, 
8150  for  church  extension  and  $150  for  the  orphans' 
home.  On  April  2,  1869,  the  name  of  the  society  was 
changed  to  "  Missionary  Society." 


140  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

The  comiug  of  Dr.  B.  Bausmau  appears  to  liave  in- 
fused new  life  into  the  congregation.  Among  tlie  evi- 
dences of  this  are  the  large  classes  of  catechumens  which 
he  confirmed  and  the  large  number  of  members  received 
by  certificate.  The  first  six  classes  consisted  of  over  one 
hundred  persons  each.  The  largest  class  ever  confirmed 
by  him  was  that  of  1869,  consisting  of  136  persons.  This 
was  during  the  most  exciting  period  of  his  pastorate.  It 
was  one  thing  to  instruct  them  and  bring  them  into  the 
Church,  but  to  keep  in  touch  with  them,  that  was  another 
matter.  The  pastor  concluded  to  hold  a  reunion  of  cate- 
chumens on  March  19,  18G6.  The  meeting  was  largely 
attended  by  those  confirmed  by  him  in  previous  years,  as 
well  as  by  the  catechumens  who  expected  to  be  confirmed 
on  the  ensuing  Good  Friday  evening.  The  Avhole  service 
was  calculated  to  remind  the  members  of  the  vows  taken 
by  them  at  their  confirmation,  and  they  were  admonished 
to  continue  faithful  to  them.  This  was  the  first  service 
of  the  kind  ever  held  in  the  Reformed  Church,  and  Pastor 
Bausman  has  since  continued  to  hold  these  annual  re- 
unions of  catechumens.  Other  ministers  have  since  in- 
troduced similar  services  in  their  churches. 

On  April  2,  1866,  the  consistory  a})pointed  a  commit- 
tee of  five  to  prepare  a  plan  for  a  new  church.  The  re- 
port of  this  committee  was  approved  by  the  consistory 
and  submitted  to  the  congregation  on  August  16.  On  the 
latter  date  the  congregation  by  a  vote  of  54  to  37  resolved 
to  erect  a  new  chuich  for  the  German  portion  of  the  con- 
gregation on  the  graveyard,  where  St.  Paul's  church  now 
stands.  But  it  was  soon  realized  that  the  language  part 
of  this  resolution  was  a  mistake.     On  December  10, 1866, 


FIRST    CHURCH.  141 

the  congregation  by  a  vote  of  31  to  12  resolved  to  sell  the 
old  graveyard  and  use  the  money  realized  from  the  sale  of 
it  for  the  erection  of  an  English  Reformed  church,  and 
the  action  of  the  meeting  of  April  16  was  rescinded. 

On  January  14,  1867,  the  consistory  took  initial  steps 
to  carry  out  the  instruction  of  the  congregation,  and  ap- 
])ointed  a  committee  to  purchase  a  lot  on  Charles  Evans' 
Cemetery.  All  persons  who  had  friends  buried  on  the 
graveyard  had  the  privilege  of  removing  them.  Those 
not  thus  removed  were  to  be  removed  by  the  committee, 
under  the  direction  of  the  consistory.  On  February  4  the 
above  committee  was  directed  to  apply  to  the  Legislature 
for  a  special  act  for  the  sale  of  the  burying  ground,  so 
that  there  might  be  no  doubt  about  the  validity  of  the 
deeds  to  be  given. 

In  the  latter  part  of  1867  Mr.  Albert  Ritter  resigned 
as  organist,  and  Judge  Daniel  Young  once  more  presided 
temporarily  at  the  organ. 

On  Feb.  27,  1867,  the  consistory  appointed  a  commit- 
tee of  six  persons,  three  representing  the  English  portion 
and  three  the  German  portion  of  the  congregation,  to  de- 
vise a  plan  for  the  erection  of  a  new  church.  This  com- 
mittee consisted  of  Daniel  Young,  A.  F.  Boas,  Peres 
Hain,  Amos  Moyer,  Chas.  K.  Suell  and  George  Gehmau. 
The  committee  reported  on  Nov.  16,  1867,  but  presented 
no  plan  for  the  church.  It  suggested  that  the  new  church 
be  located  on  the  northwestern  part  of  the  graveyard,  in 
which  event  it  might  not  be  necessary  to  sell  the  other 
part  of  the  ground. 

After  considering  various  propositions  the  consistory 
on  Jan.  22,  1868,  agreed  to  submit  the  following  plan  to 


142  HISTORY    OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

the  coiigivgtition  at  a  meeting  to  be  held  on  Fel).  4  : 
"  That  the  congregation  erect  a  new  eh nreh  for  the  Eng- 
lish portion  npon  a  lot  of  100  feet  front  at  the  northern 
end  of  the  graveyard,  facing  Sixth  street,  the  church  to  be 
about  the  same  size  as  the  old  church,  without  basement, 
and  having  a  Sunday  school  and  lecture  room  in  the  rear_ 
In  case  of  a  debt  being  created,  the  same  shall  rest  upon 
both  churches.  After  the  organization  of  the  new  con- 
gregation it  shall  have  one-half  interest  in  all  the  ground 
belonging  to  the  old  church,  except  twenty  feet  north  and 
west  of  the  old  church.  Should  either  party  fail  to  keep 
its  share  of  interest,  it  shall  forfeit  its  share  in  the 
property." 

On  Feb.  4,  18G8,  the  congregation  adopted  this  plan 
by  a  vote  of  39  to  1.  The  consistory  then  appointed  a 
committee  to  secure  subscriptions.  The  committee  re- 
ported on  May  14  that  the  sum  of  $14,600  had  been  sub- 
scribed. However  the  work  was  once  more  allowed  to 
rest.  It  appears  to  have  been  felt  that  the  resources  then 
available  were  insufficient  to  commence  the  work  of  erect- 
ing the  new  church. 

On  February  1,  1SG9,  the  consistory  adopted  and 
signed  a  memorial  to  the  State  Legislature  asking  for  the 
passage  of  an  act  enabling  the  trustees  of  the  First  church, 
with  the  consent  of  a  majority  of  the  male  members,  to 
sell  the  graveyard,  after  the  removal  of  the  dead,  and  use 
the  money  arising  from  the  sale,  after  paying  all  expenses 
connected  with  the  said  removal,  for  the  erection  of  a  new 
church.  Messrs.  Geo.  J.  Eckert,  Francis  Roland,  Dr.  W. 
F.  Hoffman,  Isaac  McHose  and  Henry  Fry  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to   proceed    to   Harrisburg,  lay  the 


FIRST   CHURCH.  143 

memorial  before  the  Senator  and  representatives  from 
Berks  county,  and  urge  them  to  have  an  act  passed  in  both 
houses  at  an  early  day.  The  act  was  passed  as  desired, 
and  approved  by  the  governor  on  Feb.  24,  1869.  An 
election  of  the  congregation  being  necessary,  the  consis- 
tory appointed  March  15,  1869,  as  the  time.  Efforts 
were  made  to  prevent  the  election  by  an  injunction  from 
the  court,  but  failed.  The  election  was  postponed  until 
March  22,  when  the  congregation  by  a  vote  of  89  to  ol 
decided  to  sell  the  graveyard  as  proposed  by  the  consis- 
tory. The  following  building  committee  was  appointed  : 
Isaac  McHose,  A.  F.  Boas,  Adam  Leize,  Samuel  L. 
Young,  G.  W.  Clewell  and  Levi  Quier.  A  large  lot  on 
Charles  Evans'  Cemetery  was  purchased  and  the  dead  in 
the  old  graveyard  removed  upon  it  in  the  summer  of  1869. 

The  time  had  now  been  reached  when  the  location  of 
the  new  church  had  to  be  finally  determined.  Various 
properties  were  suggested  as  sites — three  properties  on 
Fifth  street,  near  the  old  jail ;  two  properties,  corner 
Fifth  and  Walnut  streets,  now  occupied  by  Col.  T.  C. 
Zimmerman  and  B.  Y,  Shearer,  esq.;  Parker  property, 
southeast  corner  Walnut  and  Church  streets;  southeast 
corner  Eighth  and  Cherry  streets';  three  properties  on 
North  Fifth  street,  north  of  Walnut ;  and  the  Reformed 
graveyard.  After  much  delay  it  was  decided  to  purchase 
the  Parker  property  for  $18,000. 

The  next  step  in  order  was  to  secure  a  plan  for  the 
church.  Mr.  Edwin  F.  Durang,  of  Philadelphia,  was 
employed  as  architect.  He  submitted  several  plans,  and 
one  was  adopted  on  Xov.  1,  1869,  which  provided  for  a 
church,  with  a  Sunday  school  and  lecture  room  in  the  rear 
of  the  church. 


144  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

The  work  was  now  once  more  started.  It  had  been 
arranged  to  borrow  some  money  on  the  Parker  lot,  when 
it  was  discovered  that  the  title  to  that  property  was  de- 
fective, and  Mr.  Parker  was  informed  that  the  congrega- 
tion would  not  accept  the  property.  Ten  per  cent,  of  the 
purchase  money  ($1800)  had  already  been  paid.  Mr. 
Parker  refused  to  return  the  same,  and  sued  the  congre- 
gation for  the  balance  of  the  purchase  money.  The  mat- 
ter was  delayed.  Meanwhile  the  new  St.  Paul's  church 
was  organized,  and  it  assumed  the  responsibilities  of  the 
Parker  ])urchase.  The  case  was  later  tried  in  the  local 
court,  and  decided  in  fovor  of  the  church.  The  §1.SOO 
with  interest  was  returned. 

The  graveyard,  after  the  removal  of  the  dead,  was 
divided  into  seven  lots  of  20  feet  front  each  and  sold  at 
various  times  to  James  K.  Cotterel,  Samuel  Nyce,  DauitI 
Miller,  E.  W.  Landis,  Adam  Leize  and  A.  F.  Boas  for 
an  aggregate  sum  of  $30,000,  and  after  paying  the  cost  of 
A  lot  in  the  cemetery  and  removing  the  dead,  the  balance 
was  used  in  the  erection  of  the  new  church,  as  directed  by 
the  congregation. 

On  Jan.  2,  1870,  the  pastor's  salary  was  increased  to 
$1000  per  year,  in  response  to  a  petition  signed  by  many 
members. 

On  March  6,  1S71,  the  consistory  instructed  the  build- 
ing committee  to  erect  a  church  on  the  northwestern  part 
of  the  church  ground,  instead  of  on  the  Parker  j)roperty. 
The  work  was  now  pushed  vigorously  and  successfully. 
By  April  2  over  $15,000  was  subscribed  for  the  new 
building.  On  May  3  the  building  committee  submitted  a 
])lan  prepared  by  Mr.   Durang,   providing  for  a    church 


FIRST    CHURCH.  145 

with  seats  for  640  persons,  besides  an  end  j^allery  and  a 
Sunday  school  chapel  in  the  rear.  The  estimated  cost 
of  it  was  $50,000.  This  plan  was  adopted  on  the  date 
named  and  the  church  erected  according  to  it,  but  the  cost 
was  far  in  excess  of  the  estimate. 

The  name  "  St.  Paul's  INIemorial  Reformed  Church" 
was  adopted  for  the  new  congregation.  The  cornerstone 
of  the  church  was  laid  on  Sunday,  August  27,1871.  (See 
history  of  St.  Paul's  church.) 

In  1872  both  the  congregation  and  the  pastor  ])assed 
through  a  sad  experience.  Three  weeks  before  Easter  au 
epidemic  of  typhoid  fever  broke  out  in  Reading.  In  some 
families  three  or  four  persons  were  down  with  the  disease, 
and  there  were  many  deaths.  The  work  of  Dr.  Bausman 
was  most  arduous.  He  visited  the  sick  in  the  morning 
and  evening,  and  buried  the  dead  in  the  afternoon.  Near- 
ly every  day  for  some  time  there  were  from  one  to  three 
funerals.  At  confirmation  time  he  confirmed  six  catechu- 
mens on  their  sick-beds. 

In  June  of  1872  Dr.  Bausman  was  instructed  to  com- 
mence holding  English  services  in  the  new  chapel  upou  its 
completion.  At  the  same  time  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  suggest  a  suitable  minister  to  supply  the  mother  church 
when  Dr.  Bausman  would  preach  in  the  new  chapel.  On 
July  15  Prof.  John  S.  Stahr,  of  Franklin  and  Marshall 
College,  was  selected  as  supply,  and  he  accepted  the  call. 
The  chapel  of  the  new  church  was  dedicated  on  Sunday, 
August  18,  1872.     (See  history  of  St.  Paul's  church.) 

Dr.  Bausman  conducted  regular  services  in  St.  Paul's 
chapel  twice  a  Sunday  after  the  dedication,  as  directed  by 
the  consistory.     Meanwhile  Prof.  John  S.  Stahr  supplied 


146  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

the  congregation  in  the  First  chnrch.  Dr.  Bausman  con- 
tiniud  as  pastor  of  the  First  church  until  the  end  of  tlie 
year  1872.  Prof.  Stahr  was  ordained  as  his  assistant  on 
Sept.  22,  1872,  by  a  committee  of  Lebanon  Chissis,  the 
services  being  conducted  in  the  First  church  by  Dr.  J.  E. 
Hiester  and  Dr.  I.  E.  Graeff.  Dr.  C.  H.  Lelnbach,  the 
other  member  of  the  committee,  could  not  be  present. 

John  Summers  Stahr  was  born  at  Applebachsville, 
Bucks  county.  Pa.,  Dec.  2,  1841,  as  the  son  of  John  and 
Sarah  Stahr.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  commenced  to 
teach  public  school.  In  1867  he  graduated  from  Frank- 
'linand  Marshall  College  with  highest  honors.  Subse- 
quently he  studied  theology  privately  under  Drs.  Nevin 
and  Gerhart.  Since  his  graduation  he  has  been  continu- 
ously connected  with  F.  and  M.  College  :  1867-68  as  in- 
structor in  German  and  History  ;  1868-71  as  assistant 
professor;  1871-89,  professor  of  Natural  Sciences  and 
German;  1889-90,  acting  president ;  1890  to  the  present 
time  as  president.  He  has  served  seven  years  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  International  S.  S.  Lesson  Committee.  In  1883 
he  received  the  title  of  Ph.  D.  from  Franklin  and  Mar- 
shall College,  in  1891  that  of  D.  D.  from  Lafayette  Col- 
lege, and  in  1904  that  of  LL.  D.  from  Pennsylvania  Col- 
lege, Gettysburg.  On  July  23,  1872,  Prof.  Stahr  was 
married  to  Miss  Francina  E.  Andrews.  Five  children 
were  born  to  them,  of  whom  three  are  living. 

On  Se[)t.  23,  1872,  the  building  committee  reported 
that  the  sum  of  $56,296.75  had  been  expended  upon  the 
l)uilding.  The  chapel  in  the  rear  was  completed  and  the 
main  audience  room  in  front  under  roof.  There  was 
a  debt  of  nearly  $27,000.     The  consistory    unanimously 


FIRST    CHUIiCH.  147 

resolved  that  when  the  new  cougregation  would  be  organ- 
ized, the  debt  incurred  by  the  erection  of  the  new  church 
should  rest  entirely  upon  that  property,  and  not  upon  the 
old  church. 

On  Nov.  18,  1892,  the  First  cougregation  unanimous- 
ly voted  to  conv^ey  the  ground  and  property  of  the  new 
church,  100  feet  front  by  2.30  feet  in  depth,  to  the  new  St. 
Paul's  congregation  upon  the  condition  that  St.  Paul's 
congregation  assume  all  liability  connected  with  the  pur- 
chase of  the  Parker  property,  whose  title  was  in  dispute. 

On  Dec.  9,  1872,  Dr.  Bausraan  presented  his  resigna- 
tion, to  go  into  effect  on  Jan,  1,  1873.  He  had  served 
the  First  church  a  little  over  nine  years.  The  consistory 
accepted  his  resignation.  At  the  same  time  nearly  the 
whole  of  the  consistory  resigned  for  the  purpose  of  uniting 
with  St.  Paul's  church,  viz.,  four  elders,  five  deacons  and 
one  trustee.  A  considerable  number  of  persons  was  dis- 
missed about  this  time  to  join  the  new  organization. 

On  Dec.  2(),  1872,  St.  Paul's  cougregation  was  organ- 
ized in  the  new  chapel  with  204  members,  198  of  whom 
came  from  the  First  church. 

The  services  of  the  First  church  were  frequently  dis- 
turbed in  various  ways.  At  times  young  rowdies  would 
occupy  the  galleries  and  create  disturbances.  More  than 
once  such  disturbers  were  marched  out  of  church  by  the 
deacons  in  the  midst  of  a  sermon.  For  a  long  time  a  fire 
company  was  located  directly  opposite  the  church,  and 
fire  alarms  during  services  were  of  frequent  occurrence. 
Many  of  these  alarms  were  false,  and  it  appeared  as  if 
Satan  were  the  origiuator  of  them.  On  several  occasions 
when  the  pastor  was  engaged  in    the  solemn  act  of  con- 


148  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

firniiDg  catechumens,  such  alarms  occurred.  The  effect 
may  easily  be  imagined.  Everybody  was  in  a  state  of 
excitement  and  fearful  that  his  home  might  be  on  lire. 
The  removal  of  the  engine  house  and  the  introduction  of 
a  fire  alarm  system  by  the  city  relieved  the  congregation 
of  these  very  trying  annoyances. 

During  his  nine  years'  pastorate  of  the  First  church 
Dr.  Bausman  bai)tized  828  persons,  confirmed  8:5(3,  re- 
ceived from  other  churches  365,  buried  546  and  married 
246  couples.  Among  the  marriages  were  those  of  the 
late  Dr.  E.  V.  Gerhart  to  Mrs.  Mary  M.  Hunter  on  Aug-. 
22,  1865,  and  Rev.  AYm.  jM.  Reily  to  Lizzie  Schrack  on 
May  16,  1867.  On  October  20,  1868,  he  married  four 
couples— Levi  Quier  to  Emma  8.  Addams,  Jerome  L. 
Boyer  to  Sue  E.  McHose,  Cyrus  Rick  to  Emma  R.  Ma- 
deira, and  Wm.  Ligget  to  Andora  Hunter.  The  former 
two  couples  are  still  residing  in  Reading.  Mr.  Rick  died. 
The  latter  couple  came  from  the  country. 


FIRST   CHURCH.  149 


13.— Rev.  Henry  Mosser,  D.  D.,  1873-1903. 

After  the  resiguation  of  Dr.  Baasman  on  Jan.  1,  l.S7o, 
the  pastorate  of  the  First  church  was  practically  vacant 
for  a  few  mouths.  Prof.  J.  S.  Stahr  continued  as  supply, 
and  preached  regularly  on  Sundays.  He  also  instructed 
a  class  of  twenty-one  persons  during  the  winter  and  con- 
firmed them  on  Good  Friday  evening,  1873.  The  people 
were  greatly  pleased  with  his  ministrations,  and  there  was 
a  general  desire  to  secure  him  permanently.  A  committee 
waited  upon  him  and  urged  him  to  become  the  regular 
pastor,  but  he  declined,  because  he  felt  it  his  duty  to  re- 
main with  the  college  at  Lancaster.  Prof.  Stahr  resigned 
as  assistant  pastor  on  April  14,  and  his  resiguation  went 
into  effect  on  June  1,  1873.  Rev.  W.  F.  P.  Davis,  then 
pastor  of  the  Sinking  Spring  charge,  for  some  time  con- 
ducted the  weekly  meetings. 

The  consistory  lost  little  time  in  looking  around  for  a 
pastor.  Rev.  Dr.  Mosser,  then  pastor  of  the  Paradise 
charge  in  Northumberland  county,  Pa.,  was  invited  to 
preach  trial  sermons,  and  he  did  so  on  Feb.  23.  He  made 
a  favorable  impression,  and  the  consistory  nominated  him 
as  a  candidate.  On  March  10,  1873,  Dr.  Mosser  was 
unanimously  elected  pastor  of  the  First  church.  The  con- 
sistory issued  a  call  to  him  and  promised  him  $1300  sal- 
ary per  year.  This  was  increased  to  SI 600  in  October, 
1873.  The  call  lo  Dr.  Mosser  was  signed  by  the  six 
elders,  six  deacons  and  three  trustees.     Of  these  fifteen 


150  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

officers  ouly  four  are  uow  liviug — Amos  Iv.  Dick,  Aarou 
Leas,  A.  J.  Fisher  and  Daniel  Miller.  Dr.  Mosser  ac- 
cepted the  call  and  entered  upon  the  work  in  June.  He 
was  installed  on  Sunday  morning,  June  14,  187.">,  by  a 
committee  of  Lebanon  Classis,  consisting  of  Revs.  W.  M. 
Reily,  D.  B.  Albright  and  J.  A.  Schultz.  Rev.  Mr.  Reily 
preached  the  sermon.  The  new  pastor  found  plenty  of 
work  Tlie congregation  needed  reorganization.  Although 
the  number  of  members  who  had  withdrawn  to  unite  with 
St.  Paul's  church  was  small  in  proportion  to  the  whole 
membership,  it  represented  the  more  active  element.  Oth- 
ers needed  to  be  trained  for  the  work.  Besides,  the  church 
needed  remodeling. 

As  soon  as  possible  steps  were  taken  to  remodel  the 
church.  The  matter  was  considered  at  a  congregational 
meeting  on  July  16,  1873.  The  consistory  had  presented 
three  plans.  One  j)lan  contemplated  new  pews  and  ])ul- 
pit,  painting  the  interior  and  exterior  wood  work,  and  the 
steeple,  at  an  estimated  cost  of  $0000  ;  the  second  included 
also  a  new  steeple  in  place  of  the  old  one  of  dispropor- 
tioned  size,  at  a  cost  of  $9000 ;  and  the  third  plan  em- 
braced the  above  improvements,  together  with  a  three- 
story  ]>arsonage  and  remodeling  of  the  organ,  at  a  total 
cost  of  $15,000.  There  were  some  chicken-hearted  peo- 
])le  in  those  days.  Because  about  300  members  had  with- 
drawn, some  thought  that  the  1000  members  remaining 
could  do  very  little.  This  suj)position  was  no  doubt  based 
upon  the  fact  that  many  had  hitherto  done  very  little. 
The  writer  well  remenibers  that  when  the  first  ])lan  in- 
volving the  expenditure  of  $()000  had  been  read,  one  of 
the  newly  installed  elders  arose  and  exclaimed  in  deep 


FIR^T    CHURCH.  151 

earnest:  "  What  in  the  world  do   you   mean?     Six   thou- 
sand doHars  !     Tliat  will  break  up  the  eongregation." 

The  congregation  resolved  that  the  church  should  be 
remodeled  generally,  and  a  new  steeple  and  a  parsonage  be 
erected  at  an  estimated  expense  of  $15,000.  Afterward 
the  plans  were  enlarged,  and  instead  of  f  15,000  the  sum 
of  S41,3')2  was  expended,  and  yet  the  congregation  was 
not  broken  up  !  However,  this  large  expenditure  caused  a 
debt  of  over  .$22,000,  which  was  a  considei'able  burden  for 
a  number  of  years.  The  last  part  of  this  debt  was  paid 
on  April  23,  1891.  The  pastor  wrote  these  words  below 
the  statement  of  final  payment  :  "  Gott  sei  Dank!"  (For 
jiarticulars  of  this  remodeling  see  Chapter  on  "  Churches.") 

Hitherto  only  male  members  of  the  congregation  had 
the  right  to  vote.  It  was  felt  that  this  was  wrong,  inas- 
much as  many  of  the  female  members  perform  a  vast  deal 
of  work.  On  Jan.  5,  IS 74,  the  congregation  amended  the 
constitution,  giving  the  right  to  vote  to  all  members.  The 
consistory  was  empowered  to  fill  all  vacancies  in  this 
body,  and  all  members  of  the  congregation  were  required 
to  contribute  at  least  one  dollar  per  year  to  its  support. 

That  Pastor  Mosser  was  successful  in  gathering  mem- 
l)er5  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  his  first  class  of  catechu- 
mens, which  he  confirmed  in  the  spring  of  1874,  num- 
bered 106  members.  He  also  received  24  by  letter  and 
renewal.  His  classes  as  a  rule  were  large,  frequently 
numbering  over  100.  That  of  1880  consisted  of  123.  In 
later  years,  when  a  number  of  other  congregations  had 
been  organized  in  diiferent  sections  of  the  city,  the  size  of 
the  classes  was  naturally  reduced. 

In  the  fall  of  1X74  the  family  of  Dr.  Mosser  was 
severely  afflicted  by  the  death  of  his  excellent  wife.     Her 


152  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

death  occuiTed  ou  Xov.  IS,  at  the  age  of  nearly  37  years. 
Altliough  not  long  a  resident  of  the  city,  she  had  won  the 
confidence  and  respect  of  all  who  knew  her. 

On  Feb.  17, 1875,  the  congregation  considered  a  propo- 
sition snbinitted  by  the  con><istory  to  change  the  title  of 
the  corporation  from  "  German  Reformed  Church"  to 
"  First  Reformed  Church  of  Reading."  The  motive  for 
the  proposed  change  was  the  fact  that  by  action  of  the 
General  Synod  the  word  German  had  been  dropped  from 
the  general  title  of  the  Church,  and  also  the  fact  that  the 
congregation  had  for  a  long  time  been  known  by  the  pro- 
posed official  name.  However,  after  some  discussion  the 
congregation  agreed  to  postpone  action  on  the  subject  in- 
definitely. On  March  1  following  the  consistory  resolved 
thereafter  to  transact  its  business  in  the  name  of  the 
'*  First  Reformed  Church  of  Reading,  Pa." 

In  the  spring  of  1875  the  work  of  remodeling  had 
been  completed.  The  work  had  been  much  greater  and 
required  a  longer  time  than  had  been  anticipated.  The 
dedication  took  place  on  Sunday,  May  2.  In  the  morn- 
ing the  services  were  conducted  in  German,  and  the  ser- 
mon was  })reached  by  Dr.  J.  S.  Stahr,  of  Lancaster.  A 
short  history  of  the  congregation  was  read.  In  the  after- 
noon the  services  were  conducted  in  English,  and  Rev. 
Jacob  O.  Miller,  D.  D.,  of  York,  Pa.,  a  chikl  of  the  con- 
gregation, preached  the  sermon.  At  this  service  the 
formal  dedication  took  place.  In  the  evening  a  third  ser- 
vice was  held.  The  services  were  continued  during  the 
following  week — in  German  on  Monday,  Wednesday  and 
Friday  evenings,  and  in  English  on  Tuesday  and  Thurs- 
day evenings.     The  follov/ing  ministers  preached  on  these 


FIRST    CHURCH.  153 

occasion.s  :  Dr.  J.  C.  Bucher,  a  former  pastor ;  Rev.  W. 
H.  H.  Snyder,  Dr.  Geo.  Wolif,  Dr.  J.  E.  Hiester  and  Dr. 
X.  Gehr. 

The  remodeling  included  the  repairing  of  the  organ 
by  Mr.  Samuel  Bohler,  who  had  erected  the  organ  twenty- 
five  years  previous.  In  the  fall  of  1S92  an  electric  motor 
was  introduced  as  the  motive  power  for  the  organ.  Be- 
fore that  time  the  bellows  had  always  been  operated  by 
hand  power,  which  was  hard  labor. 

It  was  during  many  years  customary  to  hold  nearly 
all  funerals  in  the  church.  The  use  of  the  church  was 
regarded  as  the  privilege  of  everybody.  On  May  10, 
1875,  the  consistory  felt  constrained  to  adopt  rules  for  the 
use  of  the  church  for  funerals.  Members  of  the  congre- 
gation were  required  to  pay  $1.50  to  the  organist  and 
$2.00  to  the  sexton.  Non-members  were  recpiired  to  pay 
§5.00,  in  addition  to  the  above  charges,  to  the  treasurer 
for  the  use  of  the  church.  In  October,  1876,  a  change 
was  made  in  this  matter.  Members  were  allowed  the  free 
use  of  the  church  for  funerals,  but  non-members  were 
reijuired  to  pay  $10. 

It  often  happens  that  the  pastor  bears  a  greater  finan- 
cial burden  than  any  individual  member  of  the  congrega- 
tion. In  the  early  part  of  1878,  on  account  of  the  hard 
times  prevailing  in  Reading,  Dr.  Mosser  of  his  own  ac- 
cord asked  that  his  salary  be  reduced  from  $160  i  to  $1200 
per  year.  The  consistory  gratefully  acceded  to  this  re- 
quest. This  reduction  of  8400  per  year  continued  until 
July  1,  1882,  when  the  pastor's  salary  was  increased  to 
$1500  per  year.  Had  only  one-half  of  the  members  of 
11 


154  HISTORY    OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

the  congregation  manifested  the  same  spirit  of  sacrifice, 
the  church  debt  would  have  had  a  short  existence. 

In  the  early  part  of  Dr.  Bausman's  pastorate  a  pro- 
gressive movement  was  started  for  the  extension  of  the 
Reformed  Church  in  this  city.  Dr.  Bausman's  efforts 
were  heartily  seconded  by  Dr.  McCauley,  j)astor  of  the 
Second  church.  Several  mission  Sunday  schools  were 
organized  and  fostered  by  these  two  pastors  and  their  con- 
gregations. Some  years  later,  after  the  organization  of 
St.  Paul's  church,  it  was  believed  that  more  could  be 
accomplished  by  assigning  a  certain  section  to  each  of  the 
three  larger  congregations,  to  be  developed  by  them.  The 
northwestern  section  was  thus  assigned  to  the  First  church. 
A  considerable  number  of  its  members  and  children  re- 
sided in  that  portion  of  the  city.  A  frame  chapel,  20  by 
40  feet,  on  Tulpehocken  street,  which  had  been  erected 
and  abandoned  by  another  denomination,  was  purchased 
by  a  member  of  the  First  church,  and  St.  Mark's  Sunday 
school  organized  in  it  on  May  G,  1883,  with  sixty-three 
persons  present,  forty  of  whom  were  scholars.  The  school 
prospered  from  the  start.  For  a  long  time  Mr.  AVilliam 
H.  Schearrer  labored  zealously  in  this  place  as  superinten- 
dent of  the  school.  On  Nov.  19,  1891,  a  congregation 
was  organized  with  53  members.  In  1892  a  church  was 
erected  on  Schuylkill  avenue,  and  dedicated  on  Nov.  20 
of  that  year.  The  Sunday  school  of  the  First  church 
purchased  the  lot  upon  which  the  church  was  erected  for 
S2000.  Members  of  the  congregation  also  contributed 
toward  the  erection  of  the  church.  St.  Mark's  congrega- 
tion is  now  large  and  prosperous. 

A  small  Sunday  school  had  been  conducted  in  the 
public  school  house  in  North  Reading  for  a  considerable 


FIRST    CHURCH.  155 

time.  Some  time  after  the  orgauizatioD  of  St.  Mark's 
Sfliool  ill  is  school  in  North  Reading  appealed  to  the  First 
church  for  aid.  The  school  was  placed  under  the  care  of 
the  First  church  school,  and  aided  by  it.  On  June  7, 
IcSDO,  Olivet  Reformed  congregation  was  organized  in 
North  Reading  with  36  members  by  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner, 
who  subse([ueutly  became  pastor  of  this  and  St.  Mark's 
congregations.  The  First  church  for  some  years  made 
regular  appropriations  toward  the  support  of  the  pastor 
of  Olivet  congregation. 

Another  Sunday  school  was  organized  in  East  Read- 
ing in  1890.  Mr.  Fred.  Yeakel,  a  member  of  the  First 
church,  was  made  superintendent.  After  serving  several 
years  he  resigned  on  account  of  ill  health,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Mr.  L.  F.  Sehearrer,  another  member  of  the 
First  church,  who  continues  in  office  to  this  day.  On 
July  11,  1897,  Rev.  M.  L.  Herbein  commenced  holding 
services  at  that  place,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year 
organized  Trinity  Reformed  church.  This  is  the  four- 
teenth Reformed  congregation  in  Reading.  A  church  was 
erected,  the  corner-stone  for  which  was  laid  on  March  13, 
1898,  when  Pastor  Mosser,  of  the  First  church,  delivered 
the  address. 

The  above  three  congregations  were  fostered  by  the 
First  church.  For  further  particulars  see  their  histories 
in  this  volume. 

On  March  13,  1879,  a  farewell  service  was  held  in  the 
First  church  for  Rev.  A.  D.  Gring,  who  was  the  first  for- 
eign missionary  directly  sent  forth  by  the  Reformed 
Church.  It  was  an  event  of  special  interest,  and  attracted 
a  large  congregation,  including  many  ministers.     Dr.  C. 


156  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

H.  Leinbach  presided.  Dr.  T.  S.  Johnston,  president  of 
the  Foreign  Board,  delivered  an  address,  to  which  Mr. 
Gring  responded.  Dr.  J.  H.  A.  Bomberger  then  de- 
livered the  farewell  address  to  Rev.  Mr.  Gring.  The 
missionary  and  his  wife  sailed  from  San  Francisco  on 
May  1,  1879.  He  is  a  sou  of  the  late  Rev.  Daniel  Gring, 
who  was  a  grandson  of  Rev.  John  Waldschmid.  Mr.  A. 
D.  Gring  is  now  a  missionary  in  Japan  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

From  the  time  of  the  introduction  of  English  services 
the  congregation  used  the  old  book  entitled  "  Psalms  and 
Hymns,"  the  first  and  for  a  long  time  the  only  English 
hymn  book  of  the  Reformed  Church.  On  Sept  1,  1888, 
the  use  of  this  book  was  discontinued,  and  the  new  boi)k 
entitled  "  Hymns  for  the  Reformed  Church"  adopted.  In 
1891  the  new  "Hymnal  of  the  Reformed  Church"  was 
introduced,  and  has  since  been  in  use. 

In  the  fall  of  1883  the  church  and  parsonage  were 
painted  by  Mr.  Jesse  M.  Sprecher  at  a  cost  of  $943. 

In  May  of  1884  the  "Society  of  St  Ambrose"  was 
organized  by  a  number  of  the  young  men  of  the  congrega- 
tion. It  was  intended  "  to  cultivate  an  active  spirit  of 
communion,  friendship  and  piety."  It  started  with  twenty 
members,  but  its  history  was  short,  as  it  was  disbandt'd 
on  October  9,  1886. 

Until  October,  1890,  the  church  had  always  been  en- 
closed by  a  fence  along  Washington  street.  At  this  time 
the  fence  was  removed  and  never  replaced. 

On  July  19,  1891,  the  congregation  celebrated  the 
final  and  full  payment  of  the  debt  occasioned  by  the  re- 
modeling of  the  church  in  1874-1875  by  a  jubilee  service 


FIRST    CHURCH.  157 

ill  the  morning  by  the  congregation  and  in  the  evening  at 
six  o'clock  by  the  Sunday  school.  The  church  was  deco- 
rated for  the  occasion.  At  the  evening  service  the  mort- 
gage was  burned,  the  match  being  applied  by  Mr.  A.  F. 
Boas,  the  mortgagee,  who  had  at  all  times  contributed 
much  in  various  ways  for  the  furtherance  of  the  interests 
of  the  congregation.  As  stated  elsewhere,  he  served  as 
stii)erinteudent  of  the  Sunday  school  from  the  time  of  its 
organization  in  1840  until  1877,  a  period  of  thirty-seven 
years.  In  connection  with  this  service  Pastor  Mosser 
read  an  interesting  sketch  of  the  work  of  remodeling  the 
church.  He  referred  to  some  of  the  incidents  connected 
with  the  beginning  of  the  work.  The  absolute  necessity 
of  remodeling  was  made  apparent  when  the  work  had 
been  commenced.  It  was  found  that  the  gallery  supports 
were  erected  upon  joists  instead  of  upon  beams,  as  had  i)een 
supposed.  A  year  ])revious,  on  the  occasion  of  a  police- 
man's funeral,  when  the  church  was  crowded  to  its  utmost 
capacity,  the  gallery  appeared  to  give  Avay,  and  the  great 
wonder  was  that  it  did  not  then  collapse.  The  plastering 
of  the  ceiling  was  in  bad  condition.  When  workmen  cut 
the  ceiling  at  one  place,  about  three-fourths  of  the  plaster- 
ing suddenly  fell  down.  Had  this  occurred  during  church 
service,  many  persons  would  have  been  injured.  Several 
timbers  in  the  steeple  were  found  in  a  decayed  condition, 
aud  were  replaced  by  new  ones. 

AYhile  plans  for  the  remodeling  were  being  discussed 
and  it  was  proposed  to  erect  a  parsonage  at  the  west  end 
of  the  church,  some  thought  it  would  be  objectionable  to 
have  a  kitchen  so  near  the  audience  room.  One  of  these 
put  the  matter  in  this  form  :  "  The   people  will  come  to 


158  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

church  on  Sunday  morning,  s-nitf  the  air  and  say  :  "  Der 
Parre  hot  Zwievle  katt  for  sei  Breakfast."  (  The  pastor 
had  onions  for  breakfast.)  The  writer  well  reniemlxrs  a 
certain  confusion  of  terms  in  connection  witli  tlu-  pn)jK)-ed 
parsonage.  One  of  the  officers  was  heartily  in  favor  of 
erecting  a  three-story  *'  pastorate."  He  always  used  the 
word  pastorate  instead  of  parsonage. 

The  jubilee  services  were  very  gratifying.  The  bonded 
debt  had  been  paid,  but  there  remained  a  debt  of  ^500  in 
the  current  expense  account.  It  was  hoped  that  this 
amount  might  be  secured  during  the  jubilee  celebration, 
and  the  expectations  were  more  than  realized.  The  con- 
gregation contributed  $284  and  the  Sunday  school  §4o0, 
total  $734.    It  was  an  occasion  of  joy  to  pastor  and  people. 

In  the  spring  of  1886  two  active  elders  of  the  First 
church  died  within  less  than  sixty  days — Richard  S. 
Dunkle  died  on  April  li»,  and  Samuel  Holl  on  June  13. 
No  similar  instance  is  on  record.  A  considerable  number 
of  officers  died  during  their  term  of  service,  but  never  two 
in  so  brief  a  space  of  time. 

On  Nov.  7,  1887,  the  consistory  introduced  the  Direc- 
tory of  Worship,  which  had  been  adopted  by  the  Re- 
formed Church,  for  pulpit  use. 

On  July  16,  1888,  it  was  resolved  to  introduce  steam 
heat  in  the  church  at  a  cost  of  $860.  The  hot  air  fur- 
naces were  worn  out.  Originally  wood  stoves  were  used, 
then  hot  air  furnaces  and  now  steam  heat.  There  is 
change  and  })rogress  all  around.  What  would  the  people 
who  worshiped  in  the  little  log  church,  or  even  those  who 
worshiped  in  the  stone  church  of  1761,  think  and  say  if 
they  could  come  back  and  worship  in  the  present  church. 


FIR^T    CHURCH.  159 

sitting  ou  cushioued  seats,  instead  of  hard  boards ;  with 
the  church  heated  by  steam  which  is  generated  three 
s(|uares  away  from  the  building  ?  There  is  a  marked  con- 
trast between  the  first  log  church  and  the  present  beauti- 
ful house  of  worship. 

The  Benevolent  Society  was  changed  to  Women's 
Missionary  Society  on  May  6,  1889. 

It  is  customary  to  baptize  unbaptized  persons  in  con- 
nection wMth  confirmation.  Before  the  time  of  confirma- 
tion the  pastor  asks  that  all  those  not  yet  baptized  inform 
him  of  the  fact  that  he  may  then  administer  the  sacra- 
ment to  them.  It  happened  in  1890  that  a  lady  was  con- 
firmed without  ever  having  been  baptized.  She  was  bap- 
tized subsequently. 

Until  1892  the  morning  service  was  always  held  at 
10  o'clock.  The  pastors  of  some  of  the  neighboring 
churches  advocated  a  change  to  10.30  o'clock.  In  order 
to  avoid  the  annoyance  of  the  ringing  of  church  bells  after 
the  beginning  of  the  service,  the  First  church  assented  to 
the  proposed  change,  and  on  May  2,  1892,  the  time  of  the 
morning  service  was  changed  to  10.30. 

Like  most  other  congregations,  the  First  church  had 
'  its  difficulties  with  the  choir.  At  the  beginning  of  Dr. 
Nfosser's  pastorate  in  1873  Miss  Kate  Wittich  was  organ- 
ist and  Major  John  Teed  leader  of  the  choir.  Miss  Wit- 
tich continued  in  her  position  until  June  15,  1884,  when 
she  resigned.  She  subsequently  became  the  wife  of  Rev. 
Mr.  Fetter,  a  minister  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Major 
Teed  resigned  as  leader  of  the  choir  on  March  1,  1877. 
He  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  James  M.  Lyons,  who  served 
until  July  5,  1880.     Mr.  H.  H.  Deeter  served  from  this 


160  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

date  iiutil  Feb.  7,  18^1.  I.  ("omley  Fetter  served  from 
July  5,  1881,  uutil  March,  1882.'  Mr.  H.  H.  Deeter 
served  a  second  time,  from  April  4,  1882,  to  March,  1883. 
Miss  Wittich  then  agreed  to  assume  the  leadershij)  of  the 
choir,  ill  addition  to  her  work  as  organist,  and  continued 
until  the  time  of  her  resignalio;i,  June  15,  1884.  Prof. 
F.  C.  Moyer  was  elected  organist  and  choir  leader  on 
June  28,  1884,  and  has  ever  since  filled  the  po.sitii>u  with 
ability  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  congregation. 

In  the  fall  of  1892  the  church,  parsonage  and  chapel 
were  repainted  by  Mr.  J.  M.  Sprecher  at  acost  of.S822.50. 

On  Jan.  13,  1896,  the  congregation  resolved  to  erect  a 
chapel  for  the  Senior  department  of  the  Sunday  school, 
which  was  done  at  a  cost  of  over  $9000. 

The  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  Dr.  H.  Vosser's  pas- 
torate was  celebrated  by  a  series  of  services  from  May  22 
to  29,  1898.  This  was  an  event  of  much  interest.  The 
church  was  fittingly  decorated.  On  Sumlay  the  church 
was  crowded  to  overfiowiug.  Dr.  B.  Bausman  preached 
in  the  morning  and  Dr.  John  S.  Stahr  in  the  evening. 
During  the  week  sermons  were  preached  by  Revs.  W.  J. 
Johnson,  A.  K.  Bartholomew,  H.  M.  Kieller,  L.  K. 
Evans,  D.  A.  Souder,  J.  A.  Reber  and  E.  O.  Keen.  The 
latter  three  are  sons  of  the  congregation.  Dr.  Mosser,  by 
direction  of  the  consistory,  had  compiled  a  short  history  of 
the  congregation,  wliich  was  published  and  circulated  at 
this  time.  On  Whit  Sunday,  June  5,  Dr.  Mosser  preached 
historical  sermons,  both  morning  and  evening.  During 
these  twenty- five  years  of  his  labors  in  the  First  church 
Dr.  Mosser  baptized  1796  infants  and  59  adults,  con- 
firmed 1816  persons,  received  by  certificate  and  renewal  of 


FIRST   CHURCH. 


161 


])rofession  795,  dismissed  475,  buried  930,  delivered  4960 
sermons  aud  lectures,  and  married  894  couples  or  1788 
persons. 

Elder  George  AV.  Fricker  died  on  Sept.  5,  1902,  while 
iu  office.  He  had  served  the  cougregatiou  long  and  faith- 
fully, and  contributed  liberally  to  its  work. 

On  Nov.  2,  1902, 
farewell  services  were 
held  in  the  First 
church  for  Miss  S. 
Emma  Ziemer  on  the 
eve  of  her  departure 
for  the  mission  field  at 
Yochow,  China.  She 
was  a  member  of  the 
church,  and  long  a 
teacher  in  the  Sunday 
school.  Short  address- 
es were  delivered  by 
Drs.  H.  Mosser,  A.  R. 
Bartholomew  and  Jas. 
I.  Good.  Miss  Ziemer 
delivered  her  farewell 
address, 
bored  at  Yochow,  China. 

After  long  and  hard  work  the  health  of  Pastor  Mosser 
began  to  fail  in  the  year  1902.  On  August  18  of  this 
year  he  met  with  au  accident  while  on  his  usual  vacation, 
which  resulted  in  the  fracture  of  his  left  arm.  This  was  a 
severe  shock  to  his  nervous  system.  In  the  late  fall  he 
had  so  far  recovered  as  to  enable  him  to  resume  his  work 


Miss  S.   Enima   Ziemer. 

She  left  Reading  on  Nov.  7,  aud  has  since  la- 


162  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

ou  Oct.  19,  when  he  was  given  a  hearty  reception.  But 
on  Dec.  28,  1902,  he  was  stricken  with  complete  uervons 
prostration,  w  hich  continued  a  long  time,  and  later  induced 
him  to  lay  down  his  work  as  pastor.  On  Jau.  2,  1903, 
the  consistory  granted  Dr.  Mosser  a  vacation  of  four 
months  until  May  1,  in  the  hope  that  his  health  would  be 
restored.  The  pulpit  was  meanwhile  supplied  by  various 
ministers,  principally  by  Prof.  AV.  W.  Deatrick,  of  the 
Keystone  State  Normal  Scliool.  Subse(j[ueutly  Dr.  Mos- 
ser's  leave  of  absence  was  extended  another  four  mouths, 
to  Sept.  1,  1903,  with  full  salary.  Unfortunately  his 
health  did  not  improve,  and  therefore  ou  August  15, 1903, 
he  submitted  his  resignation  to  the  consistory,  and  asked 
that  it  go  into  effect  on  Sept.  1.  Instead  of  accepting  the 
resignation,  the  consistory  requested  Dr.  Mosser  to  em- 
ploy Rev.  H.  H.  Rupp  as  an  assistant  for  four  months, 
from  Sept.  1  to  Dec.  31,  1903,  the  consistory  to  pay  for 
his  services.  But  Dr.  Mosser  felt  constrained  to  j)ress 
his  resignation,  and  it  was  then  accepted  on  August  24,  to 
take  effect  on  Sept.  1,  1903.  At  the  same  time  the  con- 
sistory agreed  to  pay  the  regular  salary  to  Dr.  Mosser 
until  the  close  of  the  year,  and  elected  him  pastor  emeritus 
with  a  salary  of  $300  per  year,  to  date  from  January  1, 
1904.  Dr.  Mosser  declined  this  election,  and  his  connec- 
tion with  the  First  Reformed  church  therefore  ceased  on 
Sept.  1,  1903,  after  having  served  it  during  more  than 
thirty  years,  from  June,  1873,  to  Sept.  1,  1903.  The  con- 
sistory adopted  a  series  of  resolutions,  in  which  it  put 
on  record  its  appreciation  of  Dr.  Mosser's  long  and  faith- 
ful services.  In  his  resignation  Dr.  Mosser  made  men- 
tion of  the   uniform   kind   and   hearty   support   which    he 


FIRST  CHURCH.  163 

had  received  from  the  consistory  aud  the  membership 
during  his  long  pastorate.  Thns  ended  the  longest  pas- 
torate in  the  history  of  the  First  church.  Great  success 
had  attended  the  labors  of  Dr.  Mosser,  and  the  people 
were  very  warmly  attached  to  him.  It  was  with  the 
deepest  regret  that  they  saw  their  aged  pastor  and  friend 
lay  down  his  work. 

During  his  pastorate  of  over  thirty  years  Dr.  Mosser 
baptized  2043  infants  and  123  adults,  confirmed  2044  per- 
sons, received  901  by  letter  and  renewal  of  profession, 
dismissed  53<S  members,  buried  1126  persons,  married  986 
couples,  anc\  delivered  5185  sermons  and  lectures.  The 
number  of  infant  baptisms  includes  those  performed  by 
Rev.  H.  H.  Rupp  during  Dr.  Mosser's  illness. 

During  the  illness  of  Dr.  Mosser  Rev.  Mr.  Rupp  per- 
formed a  great  deal  of  pastoral  work  in  the  First  church 
in  connection  with  his  duties  as  pastor  of  Olivet  church. 
He  faithfully  visited  the  sick  and  frequently  filled  the 
pulpit.  His  labors  ceased  on  Jan.  1,  1904.  He  baptized 
13  persons,  married  5  couples,  conducted  26  funerals, 
preached  19  sermons,  delivered  13  catechetical  lectures 
and  made  338  pastoral  calls. 

It  was  a  somewhat  singular  custom  to  ring  the  church 
bells  for  the  meetings  of  the  consistory.  This  custom  was 
kept  up  until  April,  1885,  when  it  was  discontinued.  It 
now  seems  strange  that  such  a  practice  should  ever  have 
been  considered  necessary.  The  meetings  were  always 
announced  from  the  pulpit,  and  there  really  never  was  a 
necessity  ;  it  was  only  a  custom,  and  custom  is  usually 
an  arbitrary  master. 

During  more  than  a  century  the  church  bell  was  tolled 
whenever  a  member  had  died.     The  bell  was  tapped  as 


104  HISTOUY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

many  times  as  the  departed  was  years  old.  This  custom 
has  been  abolished,  but  a  bell  is  still  tolled  during  funeral 
services  in  the  church. 

Rev.  Hexry  Mosser,  D.  D. 

Henry  Mosser  was  born  at  ISIyerstown,  I^ebanou 
county,  Pa.,  on  August  1,  1837,  as  the  sou  of  Daniel  and 
Magdalena  Holstein  Mosser.  His  preliminary  education 
was  secured  in  Myerstown  Academy  and  in  the  prepara- 
tory department  of  Franklin  and  Marshall  College  from 
1853  to  1854.  He  entered  this  college  in  1854,  and 
graduated  from  it  in  1858.  He  then  entered. the  theolog- 
ical seminary,  then  located  at  Mercersburg,  and  graduated 
from  it  in  1860.  Dr.  Mosser  was  in  the  same  year  licensed 
by  Lebanon  Classis,  and  was  ordained  by  Zion's  Classis 
on  August  12  1800.  The  members  of  the  committee 
present  were  Revs.  A.  H.  Kremer  and  Samuel  Kulm, 
both  now  deceased.  He  was  pastor  of  the  Landisburg 
charge  in  Perry  county,  consisting  of  four  congregations, 
from  1860  to  1865;  St.  Paul's  congregation  at  Lancaster 
from  1865  to  1867,  and  Paradise  charge  in  Northumber- 
land county.  Pa.,  from  1867  to  1873.  The  Paradise 
charge  consisted  of  two  congregations,  and  Dr.  Mosser 
organized  a  third  one  at  Watsontown  with  14  members. 
During  his  ])astorate  Dr.  M.  added  125  members  to  this 
small  Hock,  which  worshiped  in  a  union  church  with  the 
Lutherans.  This  congregation  grew  rapidly,  and  now 
each  denomination  has  its  own  church. 

In  June  of  1873  he  entered  upon  the  pastorate  of  the 
First  church,  Reading,  and  served  it  until  Sept.  1,  1003, 
a  period  of  30|  years,  when  ill   health  compelled  him  to 


FIRST   CHURCH.  165 

resign.  His  pastorate  at  Readiug  was  fiill  of  hard  labor. 
He  devoted  all  the  energies  of  his  being  to  this  work,  and 
his  labors  were  blessed  to  a  very  large  degree.  During 
his  pastorate  the  old  church  was  thoroughly  remodeled,  a 
new  steeple,  a  parsonage  and  a  beautiful  Sunday  school 
chapel  with  modern  arrangements  erected,  and  all  ex- 
penses paid. 

After  his  resignation  in  Reading  Dr.  Mosser  withdrew 
to  his  farm  at  Myerstown,  Pa.,  where  he  has  since  resided. 
His  health  has  been  so  far  restored  that  he  was  able  to 
supply  Grace  Reformed  congregation  at  Richland,  Pa., 
until  the  election  of  a  regular  pastor  in  the  early  part  of 
the  summer  of  1905.  Grace  church  was  organized  by 
Lebanon  Classis.  in  April,  1904.  He  also  preached  else- 
where as  occasion  oifered. 

In  1891  Pastor  Mosser  received  the  honorary  title  of 
D.  D.  from  Franklin  and  Marshall  College.  He  has  for 
years  been  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  that  col- 
lege. He  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Pa- 
latinate College,  and  served  nine  years  as  secretary  of  that 
body. 

On  Jan.  22,  1861,  Dr.  Mosser  was  married  to  Miss 
Kate  Schoch.  The  fruit  of  this  union  was  nine  children, 
of  whom  seven  are  still  living.  Mrs.  Mosser  died  on 
Nov.  18,  1874,  aged  nearly  37  years.  On  Oct.  3,  1877, 
Dr.  Mosser  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  E.  Powers,  of  Lan- 
caster. Three  children  were  born  to  them,  of  whom  one 
is  living. 


166  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 


14.— Rev.  John  F.  Moyer,  1904— 

After  the  resignation  of  Dr.  H.   Mos.ser  on  Sept.  1, 

1903,  the  consistory  invited  a  number  of  Keformed  min- 
isters to  supply  the  ]Milpit  with  a  view  of  securing  a  new 
pastor.  Meanwhile  the  parsonage  was  newly  carpeted 
and  repapered.  On  Xov.  10,  1903,  a  congregational 
meeting  was  held  for  the  purpose  of  electing  a  pastor. 
'^J'he  consistory  presented  the  name  of  Rev.  John  F.  Moyer, 
then  pastor  of  Christ  Reformed  church  of  Altoona,  Pa., 
as  the  candidate,  and  he  was  elected.  The  election  was 
made  unanimous.  A  call  was  then  given  Mr.  Moyer, 
under  date  of  Nov..  11,  1 903.  The  call  was  signed  by 
Daniel  F.  Dietrich,  Reuben  Keen,  F.  K.  Himmelberger, 
R.  Monroe  Hoffman,  Geor^iC  W.  Wagner  and  J.  B.  Bech- 
tel  as  elders,  and  Samuel  Sailer,  C.  ^^^  Shade,  C.  S.  Par- 
sons, James  M.  Miller,  M.  R.  Himmelberger  and  ^'harles 
K.  Snell  as  deacons.  The  call  promised  a  salary  of  $1500 
and  the  use  of  the  parsonage. 

Rev.  Mr.  Mover  accepted  the  call   and  entered   upon 
the  work  on  the  first  Sunday  of  the  new  year — January  3, 

1904.  In  the  morning  lie  preached  a  sermon  preparatory 
to  the  communion.  In  the  afternoon  of  said  day  Mr. 
Moyer  was  installed  as  pastor  of  the  First  church  by  a 
committee  of  Reading  Classes,  consi.sting  of  Dr.  B.  Baus- 
mao,  Dr.  James  I.  Good  and  Rev.  C.  E.  Schaeffer.  Dr. 
Good  delivered  the  charge  to  the  j)astor  and  Rev.  Schaef- 
fer that  to  tlie  congregation,  whilst  Dr.   Bausman  con- 


FIKST    CHURCH.  1()7 

ducted  the  iustallatiou  aud  delivered  a  reminisceut  address. 
The  church  was  crowded  with  au  interested  congregation. 
Mr.  Mover  preached  again  in  the  evening. 

The  present  pastor  of  the  old  historic  mother  church 
of  Reading  commenced  his  pastorate  under  favorable  cir- 
cumstances. He  at  once  addressed  himself  to  the  work 
in  hand  and  met  with  a  hearty  response  from  the  people. 
From  the  beginning  the  services  were  largely  attended, 
the  chureh  often  being  crowded  to  its  full  capacity.  A 
catechetical  class  was  organized  and  instructed.  On  Good 
Friday  evening,  April  1,  1904,  he  confirmed  4G  persons, 
and  received  19  by  certificate  and  renewal  of  faith,  a  total 
of  65  new  meml)ers. 

Rev.  John  F.  Moyer,  the  son  of  J.  W.  and  Mary  A. 
Afoyer,  was  born  near  Hummelstown,  Pa.  He  was  edu- 
cated in  the  public  schools  of  that  portion  of  the  county, 
and  at  the  age  of  fifteen  became  a  public  school  teacher 
and  taught  four  winter  terms.  Having  a  desire  to  enter 
the  ministry,  he  began  a  course  of  study  in  Frankliu  and 
Marshall  Academy  in  September,  1881.  After  one  year's 
})reparation  he  entered  the  Sophomore  class  of  Franklin 
and  Marshall  College,  and  graduated  in  the  year  1885. 
In  the  same  year  he  began  a  course  of  study  in  the-  The- 
ological Seminary  at  Lancaster,  from  which  he  graduated 
in  May,  1888.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel  on 
May  25,  1888,  by  Lancaster  Classis  in  session  at  Harris- 
burg,  and  was  ordained  to  the  holy  ministry  at  Hummels- 
town, Pa.,  and  installed  as  pastor  of  Hummelstown  charge 
on  May  27,  1888,  by  Revs.  E.  V.  Gerhart,  D.  D.,  J.  H. 
Paunebecker  aud  AV.  J.  Johnson  as  a  committee  of  Lan- 
caster Classis.     This  charge  consisted  of  the  Hummels- 


168  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

town,  Union  Deposit,  Shoop's  aijd  Wenrich's  congrega- 
tions. He  served  this  charge  until  January,  1892.  Dur- 
ing 1891  and  1892  he  was  chaplain  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives at  Harrisbnrg.  From  January,  1892,  to  Janu- 
ary, 1904,  he  was  pastor  of  Christ  cluirch,  Altooua,  Pa., 
during  which  pastorate  a  handsome  brownstone  church 
and  a  parsonage  w<rc  ( rected,  and  the  membership  in- 
creased from  400  to  625. 

On  Jan.  1,  1904,  Mr.  Moyer  removed  to  Reading  and 
began  his  work  as  pastor  of  the  First  Reformed  church. 

On  Jan.  21,  1892,  Mr.  Mover  was  married  to  Miss 
Anna  Lefevre  Nissley.  Two  diiUIren  were  born  to  them, 
both  of  whom  are  living. 

Present  Officers  of  First  Church  (1905). 

Pastor — Rev.  John  F.  Moyer. 

Se(  ntary — Chas.  K.  Sncll. 

Treasurer — R.  M.  Hoffman. 

Organist— Prof.  F.  C.  Moyer. 

Collector— J.  B.  Bechtel. 

Janitor — Amos  Boone. 

Elders— R.  M.  Hoffman,  J.  B.  Bechtel,  Daniel  F. 
Dietrich,  Reul)en  Keen,  George  W.  Wagner,  F.  R.  Him- 
melberger. 

Deacons — Chas.  K.  Snell,  Morris  R.  Himmelberger, 
Chas.  S.  Parsons,  Chas.  W.  Shade,  James  R.  Miller,  Wm. 
J.  Rernhart. 

Trustees — Harvey  H.  Shomo,  A.  S.  Hartman,  Cyrus 
Lord. 

The  congregation  in  1905  numbered  1180  members, 
and  the  Sundav  school  l-">30  members. 


CHAPTER  VI. 
DURING  THE  REVOLUTION. 

Many  of  the  fouDclers  of  the  Reformed  Church  of 
Reading  had  left  their  homes  iu  the  Palatinate  and  other 
parts  of  Germany  on  account  of  religious  persecution. 
They  had  longed  for  a  country  of  civil  and  religious  lib- 
erty, and  they  sought  it  in  America.  It  was  only  natural 
that  when  England  had  oppressed  her  American  colonies, 
and  the  latter  resolved  to  throw  off  the  foreign  yoke  and 
be  an  independent  nation,  the  German  Reformed  should 
side  with  the  American  patriots.  It  was  the  Germans  in 
America  who  had  first  of  all  protested  against  human 
slavery.     They  were  liberty-loving  people. 

When  hostilities  commenced,  many  of  the  Reformed 
were  among  the  first  to  respond  to  the  call  to  arms.  Sev- 
eral members  of  the  Reformed  Church  organized  compan- 
ies and  marched  to  war — Joseph  Hiester,  Nicholas  Lotz 
and  the  two  Nagels,  etc.  Their  commands  included  many 
Reformed  members.  The  first  to  organize  a  company 
was  Capt.  George  Nagel. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Boos  was  the  pastor  at  Reading  during 
the  Revolution — from  1771  to  1781.  During  this  period 
the  Reformed  church  was  for  some  time  occupied  as  a 
hospital  for  sick  soldiers,  when  the  congregational  services 
were  no  doubt  interrupted.  There  were  then  only  three 
churches  in  Reading,  the  Reformed,  the  Lutheran  and  the 
Quaker,  and  all  were  used  as  hospitals. 
12 


170  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Rev.  J.  W.  G.  Nevelliug,  who  succeeded  Rev.  J.  W. 
Boos  as  pastor  iu  1782,  was  au  active  patriot  duriDg  the 
war,  and  served  as  a  chaplain.  He  was  most  unfortu- 
nate. (See  sketch  of  his  life  iu  connection  with  his  pas- 
torate in  Reading.) 

During  the  Revolution  Reading  was  a  place  for  gath- 
ering and  storing  supplies  for  the  army.  Col.  Nicholas 
Lotz,  a  member  of  the  Reformed  church,  was  commis- 
sioner for  the  government,  and  collected  large  quantities 
of  flour,  hay  and  grain.  He  also  purchased  cattle  and 
sheep. 

On  August  19,  1823,  a  meeting  of  the  Reading  sur- 
vivors of  the  Revolution  was  held.  The  list  of  names  as 
published  includes  the  following  which  appear  on  the 
Reformed  church  subscription  lists  of  1794  and  1814  : 
Xichlas  Dick,  Jacob  Dick,  Henry  Diehl,  David  Fox, 
John  Fox,  Andrew  Fichthorn,  Henry  Miller,  Michael 
Madeira,  Peter  Nagel,  Philip  Nagel,  Geo.  Price,  Daniel 
Rose,  John  Row,  Michael  Reifsnyder,  John  Snell,  Geo. 
Snell,  John  Strohecker,  Geo.  Yeager.  Many  of  the  Re- 
formed patriots  had  of  course  long  since  gone  to  their 
rest,  among  them  the  Hiesters,  Lotzes,  etc.  This  indicates 
the  large  number  of  Reformed  people  taking  part  in  the 
struggle  for  freedom. 

We  must  mention  several  of  the  most  prominent  Re- 
formed men  of  Reading  during  the  Revolution. 

Joseph  Hiester  was  one  of  the  noblest  men  that 
Pennsylvania  ever  produced.  He  was  a  Christian  and  a 
l)atriot.  As  he  was  a  prominent  member  of  the  Reformed 
church,  his  character  is  of  peculiar  interest  to  our  readers. 
His  name  appears  frequently  as  an  elder.     In  the  War  of 


FIRST   CHURCH.  171 

the  Kevolution  he  distiuguished  himself  as  a  true  aud 
brave  patriot.  He  was  boru  iu  Beru  township,  Nov.  18, 
1752,  as  the  sou  of  John  Hiester,  who  came  from  Ger- 
many to  this  country  in  1732.  The  Hiester  farm  iu  Bern 
township  is  located  about  seven  miles  northwest  of  Read- 
ing, aud  was  during  many  years  aud  until  recently  owned 
by  Gen.  D,  M.  Gregg,  of  Reading.  It  is  now  the  prop- 
erty of  Felir  ct  O'Rourke.  When  the  call  to  arms  was 
sounded  through  the  country,  he  was  but  twenty-three 
years  of  age,  but  he  was  not  too  young  to  fight  for  liberty 
and  liis  native  land.  He  had  been  selected  as  one  of  the 
delegates  from  Berks  county  to  the  Provincial  Confer- 
ence, which  was  held  at  Carpenter  Hall,  Philadelphia, 
during  June,  1776.  At  this  conference  provision  was 
made  to  raise  soldiers  to  compose  what  was  called  the 
"  Flying  Camp."  Joseph  Hiester  caught  the  patriotic 
spirit  which  prevailed  at  the  conference,  and  aiter  his 
return  to  Reading  he  at  once  set  to  work  to  carry  out  that 
spirit.  On  July  10,  1776,  with  the  beat  of  the  drum  he 
called  his  fellow-citizens  together,  explained  to  them  the 
alarming  condition  of  the  country,  and  urged  immediate 
action.  He  offered  to  raise  a  company  and  march  to  the 
assistance  of  General  Washington,  who  was  then  in  a 
perilous  situation  in  New  Jersey.  At  the  conclusion  of 
his  remarks  he  laid  $40  upon  the  drumhead  with  these 
remarks  :  "  I  will  give  this  sum  as  a  bounty  and  the 
appointment  of  a  sergeant  to  the  first  man  who  w'ill  enlist 
to  form  a  company  to  march  at  once  to  joiu  the  comman- 
der-in-chief;  and  I  pledge  myself  to  furnish  the  company 
with  blankets  aud  necessary  funds  for  their  equipment  ou 
the  march." 


172 


HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 


Mathias  Bahb  was  the  first  maa  to  enlist.  He  took 
the  money,  and  others  followed  his  example.  In  ten  days 
Hiester  had  enrolled  ninety-six  men.  But  he  did  not 
stop  here.  His  success  induced  him  to  raise  a  whole 
regiment.  The  men  insisted  on  making  him  colonel,  but 
he  used  his  influence  to  hav^e  Henry  Haller  elected  colo- 
nel, and  he  accepted  the  position  of  captain.  He  declared 
his  readiness  to  serve  in  the  ranks  as  a  common   soldier. 

Thereupon  he  marched  his 
company  to  New  Jersey, 
where  the  men  became  a 
part  of  the  Flying  Camp. 

At  Elizabethtown  they 
learned  that  General  Wash- 
ington had  marched  to  Long 
Island.  Some  of  his  men 
and  some  in  Capt.  Graul's 
company  refused  to  march 
any  further.  Capt.  Hiester 
called  the  men  together,  ad- 
dressed them  in  the  most 
patriotic  language  and  asked 
them  to  march  with  him  to 
join  Washington  and  fight  for  freedom.  All  obeyed  at 
once,  except  three.  When  the  drums  began  to  beat,  these 
three  also  yielded  and  joined  the  ranks.  At  Long  Island 
some  of  these  men  were  killed  and  others  wounded. 
Many  of  the  American  troops  were  captured  and  cruelly 
treated.  Among  these  was  Mr.  Hiester.  With  others  he 
was  confined  for  six  weeks  on  board  the  ship  "  Jersey." 
He  was  removed  from  one  ship  to  another,  and  was  taken 


FIRST   CHURCH.  173 

very  ill  with  fever.  Finally,  after  having  been  robbed  of 
all  his  clothing  and  raouey,  iu  December,  1776,  he  was 
exchanged,  and  returned  to  his  home  in  Reading.  Here 
he  was  elected  colonel.  After  recovering  his  health  he 
left  home  and  joined  Washington's  army  in  Philadelphia, 
and  served  until  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  enlistment. 
Soon  afterward,  when  an  attack  upon  New  York  was 
feared,  Mr.  Hiester  again  raised  650  men  and  marched 
with  them  to  join  Gen.  Reed's  army  in  New  Jersey.  He 
remained  in  the  army  until  the  close  of  the  war,  w^heu  he 
again  returned  to  Reading.  His  unselfish  conduct  and 
his  devotion  to  his  country  made  him  a  very  popular 
man  and  prepared  the  way  for  his  successful  political  life 
afterward. 

Soon  after  the  war  Mr.  Hiester  was  elected  to  the 
Legislature,  where  he  served  a  number  of  years.  He  was 
also  made  a  member  of  the  convention  which  framed  the 
constitution  of  the  state.  During  a  long  period  he  served 
in  various  positions  of  trust — several  times  as  Presidential 
elector  (he  was  such  at  the  time  when  John  Adams  was 
chosen  President  and  Thomas  Jefferson  Vice-President), 
fourteen  years  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and 
after  declining  a  further  re-election,  he  was  nominated 
and  elected  governor  of  this  state,  although  against  his 
wishes.  After  serving  in  this  high  office  for  three  years, 
he  positively  refused  a  reuomination,  and  returned  to  his 
home  in  Reading.  Here  he  spent  the  balance  of  his  days, 
enjoying  the  respect  of  the  whole  community. 

Governor  Hiester  was  a  beautiful  type  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania German  character.  He  was  honest,  upright  and 
faithful  in  all  stations.     But  he  was  also  a  religious  man, 


174  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

and  a  worthy  member  of  the  First  Reformed  church  of 
Reading.  A  number  of  his  comrades  in  arms  during  the 
Revolution  were  also  members  of  this  church,  and  it  was 
for  years  a  beautiful  custom  among  these  men  to  sit  to- 
gether with  their  old  commander  in  church.  Gov.  Hiester 
died  June  10,  1832,  and  was  buried  in  the  graveyard  at 
the  church.  Years  afterward  his  remains  were  removed 
to  Charles  Evans'  cemetery. 

Col.  George  Nagel  was  born  near  Coblentz,  Eu- 
rope, about  1728,  as  the  son  of  Joachim  Nagel.  He  came 
to  Reading  about  1755,  and  engaged  in  blacksmithing. 
He  served  as  an  ensign  in  the  French  and  Indian  \yar. 
In  1763  he 'returned  to  Reading  and  resumed  his  trade. 
In  1771  he  was  elected  sheriff  of  Berks  county.  When 
the  revolution  commenced  he  raised  the  first  company  in 
Berks  county  to  fight  for  American  liberty.  His  com- 
pany participated  in  the  campaign  at  and  about  Cam- 
bridge, Mass.  He  was  a  brave  and  true  soldier,  and  rose 
to  the  rank  of  colonel.  Col.  Nagel  continued  in  the  mili- 
tary service  until  1783,  when  he  returned  to  Reading  and 
engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  He  continued  in  this 
business  until  his  death  in  March,  1789.  He  was  mar- 
ried to  Rebecca,  a  daughter  of  Mordecai  Lincoln,  of  Exe- 
ter to\^nship.     He  was  buried  in  the  Reformed  graveyard. 

Capt.  Peter  Nagel,  a  brother  of  the  above  Col. 
George  Nagel,  was  born  near  Coblentz,  October  31,  1750, 
and  came  to  Reading  as  a  young  man  and  learned  the 
trade  of  a  hatter  under  Samuel  Jackson,  the  first  hat 
manufacturer  at  Reading.  He  followed  this  occupation 
until  1804,  first  as  a  journeyman,  then  as  a  manufacturer. 
During   the  Revolution   he   was  prominently  connected 


FIRST   CHURCH. 


175 


with  military  affairs,  and  was  a  captain  from  1777  to 
1783.  He  held  varions  civil  offices,  including  justice  of 
the  peace,  coroner  and  county  treasurer.  Tiiis  latter  office 
was  subsequently  held  by  a  son,  a  grandson,  and  from 
1873  to  1875  by  a  great-grandson,  the  late  Dr.  Hiester 
M.  Nagel.  He  took  an  active  part  in  the  military  parade 
in  1794  in  honor  of  President  Washington,  and  held  a 
reception  to  the  distinguished  gentleman  at  his  house  on 
the  site  of  the  present  post- 
office  to  enable  the  citizens  to 
meet  the  "  Father  of  his  Coun- 
try." Capt.  Nagel  was  a  man 
of  fine,  commanding  presence, 
and  nearly  six  feet  tall.  He 
died  Nov.  30,  1834,  and  was 
buried  in  the  Reformed  grave- 
yard. Afterward  his  remains 
were  removed  to  the  Charles 
Evans'  cemetery.  His  name 
appears  frequently  as  one  of 
the  church  officers.  Mr.  Wm. 
N.  Coleman,  a  well-known 
citizen  of  Reading,  now  86 
years  of  age,  is  a  grandson  of  Capt.  Peter  Nagel.  The 
latter  possesses  an  excellent  oil  painting  of  Capt.  Nagel, 
which  he  prizes  highly. 

Col.  Nicholas  Lotz  was  born  in  the  Palatinate, 
Germany,  Feb.  20,  1740,  and  came  to  this  country  as  a 
young  man.  Some  time  before  the  Revolution  he  located 
at  Reading  and  successfully  conducted  two  mills  at  the 
mouth   of  the  Wyomissing  creek.     He  early  associated 


^ 

ft.  *-"        m 

^ ""' "'      si 

H^>'^      ^M 

1  . 

WBr^j,  ~c  ^^^m 

t 

^s  .  j^'  MBHI 

^^^ 

P^^^^'rwl 

1^^ 

"f 

i 

i 

/■  '  -  ■ 

Jy-eXo/r-  cNcx^^ 


176 


HISTORY    OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 


himself  with  the  nioveraent  for  iudepeudeuce.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Provincial  Coufereuce  iu  Philadelphia  in 
June,  1776.  Upon  his  return  to  Reading  he  took  an  ac- 
tive part  iu  enlisting  soldiers  for  the  American  army.  He 
was  a  man  of  splendid  physique,  well  proportioned,  six 
feet  three  inches  tall  and  weighed  about  three  hundred 
pounds.  He  was  made  a  lieutenant  colonel,  and  took 
part  in  the  battle  of  Long  Island,  and  was  taken  prisoner, 

but  paroled  and  subsequently 
exchanged  on  September  10, 
1779.  In  1780  Col.  Lotz  was 
a})pointed  Commissioner  of 
Forage,  and  Reading  became 
a  centre  for  the  collecting  and 
storage  of  supplies  for  the 
army.  Col.  L.  purchased  large 
(piautities  of  flour,  hay  and 
grr.in,  and  considerable  num- 
bers of  cattle  and  sheep.  A 
receipt  book  of  his  still  extant 
in  1893  shows  receipts  for 
money  ])aid  out  from  August 
12,  1*780,  to  Dec.  5,  1781,  ag- 
gregating 3202,033.  He  advanced  large  amounts  of 
money  from  his  own  purse  for  the  government,  and  un- 
fortunately was  never  fully  repaid.  Some  of  his  descend- 
ants in  Reading  not  many  years  ago  sought  to  collect  the 
amount  from  the  government,  but  failed.  After  the  war 
Col.  Lotz  was  several  times  elected  to  the  Legislature. 
He  also  served  as  associate  judge  of  the  county  from  1795 
to  1806,  succeeding  Col.  Joseph  Hiester  in   that  office. 


-li^^s^ 


FIRST    CHURCH.  177 

la  1794  Gen.  WashiugtoD,  theu  President  of  the  United 
States,  visited  Reading  while  on  his  way  to  Carlisle.  Col. 
Lotz  was  at  the  head  of  a  party  of  prominent  men  who 
arranged  a  military  parade  in  honor  of  Washington.  The 
latter  reviewed  the  parade  from  a  second  story  windoAv  of 
Federal  Inn,  the  building  now  occupied  by  the  Farmers' 
Bank.  Col.  Lotz  died  Nov.  29,  1807,  and  was  buried 
near  the  Reformed  chun-h.  His  remains  were  afterward 
removed  to  Charles  Evans'  cemetery.  He  left  eight  child- 
I'en.  One  of  these  was  Philip  Lotz,  whose  family  Bible 
Ls  now  in  possession  of  the  publisher  of  this  volume.  It 
is  in  an  excellent  state  of  preservation.  The  entries  in 
the  family  were  made  by  Philip  Lotz.  We  copy  these 
entries :  "  My  father,  Nicholas  Lotz,  died  on  Nov.  29, 
1807,  aged  67  years,  9  months  and  8  days." — "My  dear- 
est wife,  Chatarine  Lotz,  died  March  13,  1821,  aged  41 
years  and  14  days."  His  marriage  record  is  as  follows  : 
"April  16,  1797,  Philip  Lotz  and  Catharina  Rapp  were 
married."  Philip  Lotz  had  eleven  children.  The  oldest 
was  William,  born  April  4,  1799,  who  resided  many  years 
at  213  North  Sixth  street,  Reading,  and  who  aided  largely 
in  erecting  the  present  St.  John's  Reformed  church.  Next 
to  the  youngest  child  was  Mary,  the  late  widow  of  Peres 
Hain,  a  well-known  member  of  St.  Paul's  church.  She 
was  confirmed  by  Rev.  William  Pauli  in  the  First  church 
in  1834,  soon  after  its  erection. 

The  writer  is  also  the  happy  possessor  of  a  large  vol- 
ume in  German,  which  was  the  property  of  Col.  Nicholas 
Lotz.  It  is  a  book  of  sermons  which  explain  the  Apos- 
tles' Creed,  the  Lord's  Prayer  and  the  catechism.  It  was 
published  in  Jena  in  1658.     Col.  Lotz  gave  this  book  to 


178  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

his  SOU  John.  Ou  the  fly  leaf  in  the  beginning  of  the 
book  is  this  transfer  :  "  This  book  belongs  to  John  Lotz 
after  ni}^  death.  Witness  my  hand,  written  on  the  twenty- 
third  day  of  November,  1806.  Nicholas  Lotz."  On  Jan. 
18,  1808,  John  Lotz  transferred  the  book  to  his  brother 
Philip  Lotz. 

The  descendants  of  Col.  Nicholas  Lotz  are  numerous 
in  Reading.  Mrs.  Hoffman,  wife  of  the  late  Eev.  Henry 
Hoffman,  was  a  great-grandchild.  Mr.  Chas.  K.  Suell, 
present  secretary  of  the  First  church  consistory,  is  a 
great-great-grandson . 

Capt.  Jacob  Bower  was  born  in  1757,  and  entered 
as  first  lieutenant  the  company  of  Capt.  Benjamin  Weiser, 
a  sou  of  the  noted  Conrad  Weiser.  Mr.  Bower  was  then 
still  under  age.  The  company  was  raised  around  Wom- 
elsdorf.  He  was  promoted  to  captain  and  served  in  the 
army  until  peace  was  declared  in  1783.  He  then  settled 
in  Reading,  and  successively  held  the  offices  of  sheriff, 
county  commissioner,  recorder,  register,  clerk  of  the  court, 
and  county  auditor.  While  residing  in  Reading  he  was 
active  in  the  Reformed  Church.  His  signature  on  the 
subscription  list  of  1794  is  the  most  peculiar  of  all.  Af- 
ter 1800  Capt.  Bower  removed  to  Womelsdorf,  where  he 
died  on  August  3,  1818. 

Col.  Henry  Hali.er  was  also  a  prominent  member 
of  the  Reformed  church  in  Reading.  He  was  a  well- 
known  tailor  in  Reading  in  1765.  In  that  year  he 
was  present  at  the  annual  settlement  of  accounts  of  the 
congregation,  and  the  balance  of  money  on  hand  was  left 
in  his  hands.  In  1766  the  record  states  that  "Henry 
Haller  paid  the  balance  due   William   Risser  for  interest 


FIRST   CHURCH.  179 

on  the  bond  which  the  congregation  owes  him,  namely  7 
ponnds,  6  shillings  and  9  pence."  In  1771  his  name  ap- 
pears among  the  signatures  to  the  settlement.  In  the 
formation  of  a  regiment  in  Berks  county  for  the  "  Flying 
Camp"  he  was  chosen  colonel,  but  did  not  accompany  the 
regiment  to  Long  Island.  Sliortly  afterward  he,  how- 
ever, commanded  a  battalion  in  Xew  Jersey.  During  the 
Revolution  he  is  represented  as  one  of  the  most  prominent 
men  in  Reading.  He  was  a  delegate  to  the  Provincial 
Conference  in  1770,  and  a  member  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Assembly  from  1776 
to  1781,  and  filled  other  positions.  After  the  Revolution 
he  removed  to  Brunswick  township,  Schuylkill  county, 
then  still  part  of  Berks  county,  and  there  he  died  in  Sep- 
tember, 1793,  aged  (33  years  and  3  months. 

Daniel  Rose  was  a  prominent  man  in  Reading  dur- 
ing the  Revolution,  and  an  active  member  of  the  Re- 
formed church.  He  was  frequently  a  member  of  the  con- 
sistory. Like  Capt.  Peter  Nagel,  he  also  entertained  Gen. 
Washington  at  his  house  during  the  patriot's  visit  to 
Reading  in  1794.  Mr.  Rose  was  a  well-known  clock- 
maker  and  resided  near  the  Federal  Inn,  now  Farmers' 
Bank,  where  Washington  had  his  headquarters.  The 
chair  in  which  Washington  sat  on  this  occasion  is  care- 
fully preserved  in  the  family  of  William  R.  Davies,  300 
Franklin  street,  a  descendant  of  Daniel  Rose. 


CHAPTER  YII. 

SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

The  Sunday  school  was  started  in  Reading  in  1819. 
The  first  organization  was  effected  in  the  court  house, 
erected  in  1762,  then  located  in  the  s(iuare  (Penn  and 
Fifth  streets),  and  was  composed  of  Reformed,  Presby- 
terian and  Lutheran  elements.  Mr.  John  F.  Moers,  still 
living  at  the  age  of  over  80  years,  attended  the  union  school. 
He  states  that  the  larger  number  of  scholars  were  Re- 
formed. Rev.  Jacob  Miller,  pastor  of  Trinity  Lutheran 
church,  was  superintendent  of  the  school  for  some  time. 
The  place  was  very  unattractive,  and  the  attendance  was 
irregular.  To  overcome  this,  it  is  stated,  a  fine  was  im- 
posed for  absence.  The  school  numbered  about  300  schol- 
ars, among  whom  were  eight  colored  children.  At  that 
time  the  good  custom  of  committing  Bible  verses,  hymns 
and  catechism  answers  to  memory  was  in  vogue.  In  1821 
it  was  reported  that  during  the  past  two  years  (since  the 
beginning  of  the  school)  the  scholars  had  committed  to 
memory  14,661  Bible  verses,  5243  answers  of  the  cate- 
chism and  1033  hymns. 

There  was  a  thirty-four  hour  clock  in  the  tower  of  the 
court  house,  which  had  been  brought  from  London  in 
1755.  The  clock  was  nearly  always  out  of  order.  The 
tower  also  contained  a  bell,  which  was  cast  in  England  in 
1763.  The  old  court  house  was  demolished  in  1841,  af- 
ter the  completion  of  the  large  new  court  house  on  Sixth 


FIRST   CHURCH. 


181 


street.     The  buildiug  was  sold   to  Joseph  Kendall,   who 
used  some  of  the  material  iu  the  erection  of  houses. 

The  union  continued  until  1840,  a  period  of  21  years, 
when  the  Reformed  people  remodeled  their  church  erected 
nine  years  before,  to  accommodate  a  Sunday  school.     The 


COURT  HOUSE  OF   1762- 

Reformed  Sunday  school  was  organized  in  1840,  and  dur- 
ing ten  years  held  its  sessions  in  the  basement  of  the 
church,  which  was  little  better  than  a  cellar.  The  ceiling 
was  several  feet  above  the  level  of  the  pavement,  and  the 
floor  was  about  five  feet  below  the  ground.     When   the 


182  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

church  was  erected  iu  1831-32,  uo  cellar  was  excavated, 
but  this  was  uow  doue  iu  1840,  to  provide  quarters  for 
the  school.  The  room  was  dark  aud  so  damp  that  the 
books  became  moldy.  Persons  still  liviug  who  attended 
the  school  iu  this  place  iuform  us  that  during  the  sessions 
many  tallow  dips  were  kept  burning.  The  entrance  to 
the  dark  room  was  the  same  that  now  leads  into  the  cel- 
lar from  the  pavement  on  AVashiugton  street.  The  place 
was  illy  adapted  for  its  purpose,  but  the  people  of  those 
days  were  not  as  fastidious  as  those  of  the  present  time, 
and  made  no  complaint. 

The  facilities  for  Sunday  school  work  in  those  days 
were  of  a  primitive  character.  Besides  possibly  the  black 
board  none  of  the  modern  facilities  were  at  hand.  There 
were  of  course  uo  lesson  papers  or  teachers'  helps  as  we 
have  them  at  this  time.  Among  the  scholars  attending 
this  Sunday  school  in  the  cellar  still  living  are  these  : 
Eev.  W.  K.  Zieber,  D.  D.,  of  Hanover,  Pa. ;  Mr.  Jacob 
B.  Fricker,  who  has  been  prominently  identified  with  Re- 
formed Sunday  school  work  ever  since — in  the  First 
church  until  1873,  and  since  that  time  in  St.  Paul's  school, 
which  was  organized  on  July  6,  1873  ;  Mr.  John  F. 
Moers,  during  67  years  identified  with  a  marble  yard  ; 
Jacob  B.  Bechtel  and  Mrs.  Rebecca  J.  Hantsch,  well- 
known  members  of  the  First  church.  Oue  of  the  teach- 
ers was  the  late  Prof.  John  S.  Ermentrout.  The  Ermeu- 
trouts,  Lotzes,  Reifsnyders  and  others  were  active  mem- 
bers in  those  days.  Mr.  Henry  Ermentrout  was  the  first 
superintendent  of  the  Reformed  Sunday  school.  After 
serving  a  short  time  he  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  A.  F.  Boas, 
who  continued  in  office  until  the  year  1877,  a    period  of 


FIR.-5T    CHURCH. 


183 


37  years.  Mr.  Boas  was  a  warm  friend  of  children, 
and  the  yoiiug  people  were  greatly  attached  to  him.  He 
occupied  a  prominent  place  in  the  community  and  wielded 
an  extensive  influence.  Mr.  Boas  and  Mr.  Andrew  8. 
Rhoads  were  examined  by  the  consistory  on  June  27, 
1848,  for  confirmation.  Tiiey  were  accepted  and  con- 
firmed two  years  later,  in  July. 

Mr.  Boas  served  the  congregation  at  different  times  as 
deacon,  elder  and  trustee.     When  St.   Paul's  church   was 

erected,  he  was  a  member  of 
the  building  committee.  Mr. 
Boas  was  born  in  1813.  In 
1820  he  became  a  pupil  in 
the  union  school  which  was 
organized  in  the  old  court 
house  in  Penu  Square  in 
1819.  At  the  age  of  only  1(3 
years  he  became  superinten- 
dent of  the  first  colored  Sun- 
day school  in  Reading.  How 
long  he  continued  in  this  po- 
sition we  are  unable  to  state. 
This  was  the  colored  Presbyterian  Sunday  school,  which 
is  still  in  existence  on  Washington  street.  At  that  time 
it  re(piired  much  moral  courage,  especially  on  the  part  of  a 
Democrat,  to  perform  this  kind  of  work  on  account  of  the 
strong  j)r<'judice  existing  against  the  colored  race.  After 
a  long  and  active  career  Mr.  Boas  died  in  the  fall  of  1804. 
When  his  death  had  been  announced,  the  teachers  of  the 
above  colored  school  held  a  special  meeting  and  adopted 
suitable  action. 


i^/^^a^ 


184  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

It  appears  that  some  of  the  children  of  the  Reformed 
people  continued  to  attend  the  union  school  for  some  time 
after  the  organization  of  the  Reformed  school.  In  No- 
vemher,  1845,  the  consistory  urged  parents  to  send  their 
children  to  the  Reformed  school,  and  to  co-operate  with 
the  consistory  in  sustaining  the  school. 

The  first  record  of  a  Fourth  of  July  celebration  of  the 
Sunday  school  occurs  in  1846.  There  was  then  a  Sunday 
School  Association,  and  this  body  asked  the  consistory  for 
the  use  of  the  church  on  the  national  holiday.  The  church 
had  already  been  promised  to  the  Sons  of  Temperance  in 
the  morning,  but  the  consistory  replied  that  the  Sunday 
school  could  have  the  use  of  the  church  in  the  afternoon. 

During  many  years  the  Sunday  school  celebrated  the 
Fourth  of  July  in  some  grove  near  the  city.  The  school 
would  meet  in  the  morning  at  the  cliureh  and  then  march 
to  the  grove.  It  was  frequently  led  by  a  band  of  music. 
In  the  grove  religious  exercises  were  held,  national  hymns 
sung  and  short  addresses  delivered.  At  noon  all  were 
treated  to  coffee,  lemonade,  cakes,  sandwiches,  etc.  The 
remainder  of  the  time  was  spent  in  various  plays  and 
other  forms  of  diversion.  It  was  usually  a  day  of  groat 
pleasure  to  the  young  people.  Subsequently  the  picnic 
style  of  celebration  was  adopted — each  family  provided  its 
own  refreshments.  Later  on  the  celebrations  on  the  na- 
tional holiday  were  abandoned. 

The  First  Reformed  Sunday  school  naturally  suffered  a 
serious  loss  in  numbers  through  the  organization  of  St. 
Paul's  Memorial  Reformed  Sunday  school  on  July  6, 187.'1. 
The  school  had  hitherto  been  overcrowded.  By  the  with- 
drawal of  a  large  number  of  teachers  and  scholars  its  ranks 


FIRST   CHURCH.  185 

were  seriously  depleted.  But  this  was  only  temporary. 
The  school  filled  up  agaiu  rapidly,  and  soon  it  was  as 
strong  as  ever. 

Until  1873  the  school  had  no  organic  connection  with 
the  church,  that  is,  the  consistory  had  no  voice  in  its  gov- 
ernment. On  July  7  of  this  year  the  consistory  took  steps 
to  organize  a  Sunday  School  Board  for  the  government  of 
the  school.  A  Board  was  organized,  consisting  of  six 
members  of  the  school  and  six  of  the  consistory,  and  this 
plan  has  been  continued  to  the  present  time. 

In  the  year  1882  the  Sunday  school  erected  a  brick 
chapel  on  the  north  side  of  the  church  for  the  use  of  the 
primary  department,  at  a  cost  of  $1520.60.  The  whole 
of  this  amount  was  contributed  by  the  Sunday  school.  In 
1896  the  brick  chapel  was  demolished,  the  north  wall  of 
the  basement  removed  and  a  well  arranged  modern  Sun- 
day school  chapel  erected  for  the  senior  department,  at  a 
cost  of  over  $9000,  all  of  which  has  been  paid.  The 
school  now  has  excellent  quarters. 

The  Sunday  school  was  always  an  important  factor  in 
the  work  of  the  congregation.  In  every  instance  it  con- 
tributed a  large  proportion  of  the  cost  of  improvements. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  school  the  German  language 
was  used  to  a  considerable  extent.  The  mother  tongue 
seems  to  have  had  almost  as  strong  a  hold  upon  the  school 
as  upon  the  congregation.  It  is  somewhat  surprising  that 
when  Dr.  H.  Mosser  assumed  the  pastorate  of  the  church 
in  1873,  he  found  two  German  classes  in  the  school. 
However,  in  the  course  of  six  months,  during  which  time 
the  school  was  thoroughly  reorganized,  the  German  lan- 
guage was  finally  dropped. 
13 


186  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

FollowiDg  have  been  the  superinteudents  of  the  First 
Reformed  Sunday  school  from  its  orgauizatiou  in  1840  to 
the  present  time : 

Augustus  F.  Boas,  1840-1877. 

Tobias  Barlet,  1877-1879. 

John  B.  Renninger,  1879-1886. 

Levi  R.  Snyder,  1886-1892. 

Selos  R.  Barnet,  1892  to  present  time. 

Mr.  A.  J.  Fisher  is  the  superintendent  of  the  primary 
department.  He  has  filled  this  position  acceptably  dur- 
ing more  than  thirty  years.  Some  of  the  parents  of  the 
present  children  were  themselves  members  of  the  primary 
department  when  he  took  charge  of  it. 

The  First  Sunday  school  in  1905  numbered  1330 
members. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
LANGUAGE. 

The  First  church  of  Reading,  like  nearly  all  of  the 
older  Reformed  churches  in  Pennsylvania,  experienced 
much  difficulty  with  the  language  question.  The  Church 
was  of  German  origin,  and  during  many  years  all  the  ser- 
vices were  conducted  in  the  German  language.  We  know 
of  no  exception  to  this  rule.  The  founders  of  the  Church 
had  come  from  Germany.  They  had  brought  with  them 
their  German  Bibles,  hymn  books  and  catechisms.  They 
knew  no  other  tongue.  During  several  generations  there 
was  no  other  thau  German  preaching  in  the  Reformed 
church  of  Reading.  But  the  country  was  originally  and 
for  a  quarter  of  a  century  after  the  organization  of  the 
congregation  under  the  English  government,  and  in  the 
course  of  time  there  arose  among  the  Germans  a  tendency 
towad  the  English  language.  Gradually  this  tendency 
increased  in  strength.  The  German  schools  were  entirely 
inadequate  to  furnish  the  education  demanded  by  the 
times,  and  the  English  schools  were  far  superior  to  them. 
English  became  more  and  more  the  business  language,  as 
it  always  had  been  the  legal  language.  The  only  wonder 
is  that  the  tendency  was  not  greater. 

The  Germans  were  slow  to  recognize  this  tendency. 
Instead  they  held  on  to  the  German  language  entirely  too 
long  for  the  welfare  of  the  congregation.  They  must  not 
be  blamed  for  their  love  for  the  mother  tongue,  but  they 


188  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

should  have  seen  that  the  exchisive  German  policy  was 
tletrimeutal  to  the  church.  A  number  of  the  best  Re- 
formed families  iu  Reading  on  account  of  exclusively  Ger- 
man services  left  the  Reformed  Church  and  united  with 
the  Presbyterian  and  Episcopal  Churches.  We  could 
name  a  number  of  such  families.  The  loss  to  the  Re- 
formed Church  was  great.  A  number  of  those  withdraw- 
ing became  prominent  and  wealthy  people  of  the  city. 
They  were  successful  and  influential  business  people. 
Likely  they  would  have  beeu  satisfied  w^ith  one  English 
service  each  Sunday. 

It  is  surprising  that  all  the  way  from  1753  to  1842 
all  the  services  were  conducted  in  German.  The  Eng-lish 
tendency  was  incidentally  recognized  already  in  1814, 
when  the  consistory  issued  an  appeal  to  the  members  for 
money  to  pay  a  long-standing  debt.  This  appeal  was  is- 
sued in  both  German  and  English,  It  was  policy  to  do 
this.  But  the  English  members,  after  helping  te  pay  the 
debt,  had  still  to  be  content  a  long  time  with  German, ser- 
vices. 

The  long  desired  change  came  finally  in  the  beginning 
of  1842,  after  tiie  resignation  of  Rev.  William  Pauli. 
The  consistory  now  took  a  step  for  which  it  deserves  com- 
mendation. The  importance  of  introducing  English  ser- 
vices had  long  been  felt,  but  under  the  existing  circum- 
stances it  could  not  be  done.  At  its  meeting  in  the  month 
of  January,  1842,  the  consistory  appointed  an  election  for 
pastor  on  the  fifth  day  of  February  following,  and  resolved 
that  a  pastor  should  be  called  who  could  preach  in  both 
English  and  German,  and  that  the  new  pastor  should 
preach  every  Sunday — German  in  the  raoriiing  and  Eng- 


FIRST    CHURCH.  189 

lish  iu  the  evening.  This  was  a  long  step  forward.  It 
served  to  introduce  a  new  era  in  the  history  of  the  con- 
gregation, and  after  this  time  it  prospered  as  never  before. 
At  this  meeting  Rev.  J.  C.  Bucher  was  elected,  and  he 
was  the  first  pastor  to  preach  English  in  the  Reformed 
church  in  Reading. 

Dr.  Bucher  readily  fell  in  with  the  new  arrangement, 
for  he  was  a  progressive  man.  The  propriety  of  the 
change  was  at  once  apparent  from  the  fact  that  from  this 
time  onward  the  great  majority  of  catechumens  was  con- 
firmed in  the  English  language.  Some  difficulty  was  ex- 
perienced iu  arranging  the  time  for  the  use  of  each  lan- 
guage. During  the  latter  part  of  Dr.  Bucher's  pastorate 
the  services  were  conducted  in  German  and  English  al- 
ternately, that  is,  one  Sunday  German  in  the  morning  and 
English  in  the  evening,  and  the  following  Sunday  Eng- 
lish in  the  morning  and  German  in  the  evening.  On  Oc- 
tober 16,  1848,  at  the  beginning  of  Dr.  A.  S.  Leinbach's 
pastorate,  an  eifort  was  made  in  the  consistory  to  change 
to  German  every  Sunday  morning,  and  English  every 
Sunday  evening,  but  the  proposition  was  rejected. 

On  April  21,  1862,  the  consistory  resolved  that  the 
services  should  be  regularly  German  in  the  morning  and 
English  in  the  evening,  so  as  to  avoid  the  uncertainty  of 
the  time  for  each  language,  but  already  on  June  16  fol- 
lowing the  consistory  agreed  to  return  to  the  time-honored 
system  of  alternating  every  Sunday.  This  arrangement 
was  continued  until  the  close  of  Dr.  Bausmau's  pastorate 
at  the  end  of  the  year  1872. 

The  arrangement  was  the  best  that  could  be  devised 
at  the  time,  although  it  was  not  fully  satisfactory.     Ger- 


190  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

mau  services  in  the  evening  appeared  not  to  be  in  place, 
because  many  of  the  younger  people  would  go  elsewhere 
instead  of  attending  their  own  church.  But  each  language 
claimed  equal  rights,  and  thus  matters  continued  for  a 
long  while. 

After  the  organization  of  St.  Paul's  church  as  an  ex- 
clusively English  congregation,  an  effort  was  made  to 
make  the  mother  church  altogether  German.  It  was 
believed  by  some  that  many  Reformed  people  could  be 
attracted  who  would  otherwise  go  elsewhere.  It  was 
argued  that  there  should  be  at  least  one  Reformed  Ger- 
man church  in  the  city.  But  the  plan  found  little  favor, 
and  in  a  short  time  the  old  order  of  things  was  restored — 
German  and  English  alternating  every  Sunday.  But  the 
old  difficulty  was  again  experienced.  After  some  years  a 
radical  change  was  made.  The  German  services  were 
limited  to  one  Sunday  morning  every  two  weeks.  It  was 
felt  that  the  interests  of  the  congregation  demanded  more 
English  services.  Besides  this  the  number  of  the  German 
members  was  rapidly  decreasing.  The  aged  German  peo- 
ple were  carried  off  by  death,  and  the  young  people  no 
longer  took  any  interest  in  the  German  services.  For 
years  there  had  been  practically  no  increase  from  German 
immigration,  and  the  real  necessity  for  German  preaching 
was  rapidly  disappearing,  especially  since  Zion's  German 
church  had  been  established. 

On  September  1,  1891,  during  the  pastorate  of  Dr.  H. 
Mosser,  one  more  step  was  taken,  and  this  one  was  to 
abolish  German  services  altogether.  Thus  the  language 
question  was  finally  settled  in  this  church.  There  was 
less  objection  to  this  final  step  than  had  been  anticipated. 


FIRST    CHURCH.  191 

There  was  uo  disposition  to  crowd  out  the  few  aged  Ger- 
man members,  but  it  was  felt  that  the  step  taken  was  an 
absolute  necessity. 

Thus  a  question  which  had  more  or  less  vexed  the 
congregation  during  many  years  was  finally  and  forever 
solved.  No  one  felt  a  greater  relief  from  this  action  than 
the  pastor.  The  two  languages  were  a  real  hindrance  in 
his  work.  He  often  felt  as  if  he  had  two  congregations. 
When  one  part  was  well  satisfied  with  the  language  mat- 
ter, the  other  part  seemed  to  be  dissatisfied. 

As  stated  elsewhere,  the  German  language  was  also 
used  largely  in  the  Sunday  school,  and  to  some  extent 
down  to  the  year  1873,  the  beginning  of  the  pastorate  of 
Dr.  Mosser.     It  was  soon  discontinued  in  the  school. 

All  the  early  records  of  the  congregation  were  of  course 
kept  in  German.  The  minutes  of  the  consistory  were 
recorded  in  German  until  1842,  the  beginning  of  Dr. 
Bucher's  pastorate,  after  which  they  were  recorded  in 
English. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

The  First  church  was  iucorporated  by  the  Legislature 
of  Pennsylvania  ou  August  25,  1786,  under  the  title  of 
"  the  Trustees,  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  German  Re- 
formed Congreo-ation  in  the  Borough  of  Reading;."  The 
Legislature  was  then  holding  its  sessions  in  Philadelphia. 
The  charter  is  signed  by  Thomas  Mifflin,  Speaker,  and 
Samuel  Bryan,  Clerk  of  the  General  Assembly.  The 
charter  provides  that  the  officers  shall  be  three  trustees, 
six  elders  and  six  deacons.  Their  term  of  service  was 
three  years.  This  number  of  officers  has  ever  since  been 
continued.  The  officers  at  the  time  of  incorporation  were 
as  follows :  Trustees,  Daniel  Hiester,  Daniel  Levan  and 
Joseph  Hiester;  elders,  John  Hartman,  Kraft  Heiuer, 
Jacob  Yeager,  George  Riehni,  Daniel  Zacharias  and 
Philip  Miller  ;  deacons,  Peter  Nagel,  John  Snell,  George 
Yeager,  Daniel  Rose,  Conrad  Fasig  and  Peter  Feather, 
jr.  The  charter  is  recorded  in  the  beginning  of  the  min- 
ute book  commenced  in  1<S42. 

In  the  early  part  of  Rev.  Philip  Pauli's  pastorate,  iu 
1794,  the  consistory  made  an  ai)peal  to  the  members  for 
subscriptions  to  pay  the  debt  resting  upon  the  congrega- 
tion. How  this  debt  arose  is  a  question  which  is  difficult 
to  answer.  There  are  two  contradictory  statements  on 
this  point  ou  record.  In  the  report  of  settlement  of  Xov. 
25,  1775,  occurs  this  statement  in  reference  to  the  alms  : 


FIRST    CHUECH.  193 

^'AVitli  this  money  the  whole  of  the  debt  on  our  church 
lias  been  paid."  This  must  be  considered  reliable,  be- 
cause it  is  official,  the  statement  being  signed  by  the  pas- 
tor, Rev.  J.  W.  Boos,  and  nine  members  of  the  consis- 
tory. On  the  other  hand,  in  the  appeal  of  1814  the  state- 
ment is  made  that  the  debt  came  from  the  erection  of  the 
stone  church  in  1761.  How  are  these  two  statements  to 
be  reconciled?  We  believe  this  to  be  the  way.  The 
appeal  states  that  at  first  only  the  bare  walls  of  the  church 
were  erected.  From  this  statement  we  infer  that  the 
church  remained  in  this  unfinished  condition  until  after 
the  payment  of  the  debt  in  1775.  After  that  time  the 
church  was  completed  and  a  new  debt  incurred,  because, 
as  has  often  been  stated,  the  church  was  finely  finished, 
having  much  fine  wood  carving.  The  members  were 
urged  to  contribute  liberally.  Reference  is  made  to  the 
increase  of  the  membership,  and  the  peace  and  good-will 
]>revailing,  which  should  serve  as  an  incentive  to  liberal- 
ity. Payment  was  to  have  been  made  in  three  yearly 
installments  :  Nov.  1,  1794,  Nov.  1,  1795,  and  Nov.  1, 
1790.  The  appeal  is  of  course  written  in  German,  and  it 
closes  with  the  following  verse  : 

Die  frohlich  geben  werdeu 

Erfahren,  selbst  auf  Erden, 

Wie  werth  sie,  Gott,  dir  sind ; 

Weit  mehr  noch  in  dem  Lohn, 

Den  einst  vor  deinem  Thron 

Ihr  mcnschenfreundlich  Herz  gewinnt. 

The  subscriptions  were  made  according  to  pounds, 
shillings  and  })ence,  the  English  money  system  then  still 
prevailing  here.     But  there  were  two  standards  of  value 


194  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

— English  aud  Pennsylvania.  This  must  be  kept  in  mind 
in  calculating  the  amounts  of  the  subscriptions.  In  con- 
nection with  the  Coetal  minutes  of  1755  this  explanation 
is  given  :  "A  Pennsylvania  pound  was  half  of  the  English 
pound  sterling.  The  latter  being  at  present  $4.84,  the 
former  ought  to  have  been  $2.42,  but  in  reality  it  was 
always  more.  Three  pounds  may  be  regarded  as  ecjuiva- 
lent  to  eight  dollars." 

Some  of  the  subscriptions  were  made  in  German,  oth- 
ers in  English.  The  largest  subscription  was  that  of 
£50  by  Jacob  Winey.  Xext  in  amount  came  that  of  £30 
by  Joseph  Hiester.  The  subscriptions  varied  greatly. 
Many  gave  less  than  one  pound.  We  herewith  insert 
some  of  the  leading  names  on  the  list :  Joseph  Hiester, 
Peter  Nagel,  Philip  Kramer,  Jacob  Winey,  Philip  Zieber, 
Daniel  Rose,  J.  G.  Bower,  John  Kantner,  George  Eckert, 
Simon  Madeira,  Samuel  Feather,  B.  Feather,  jr.,  Kraft 
Heiner,  Wm.  Bell,  Philip  Miller,  Wm.  Coleman,  Conrad 
Fasig,  Daniel  Hiester,  Nicholas  Dick,  Mich.  Madeira, 
Mich.  Miller,  John  Trenkel,  Tobias  Holl,  Nicholas  Lott, 
Wilhelm  Boos,  Nich.  Diehl,  Jacob  Dueck,  Peter  Miiller, 
Henry  Rieser,  Jacob  Weitzel,  Fred.  M5rs,  John  Guthart, 
Benj.  Leinbach,  Dan.  Zacharias,  jr.,  Dan.  Zacharias,  John 
Van  Reed,  Abr.  Rieser,  Andrew  Fichthoru,  Geo.  Bower, 
Fred.  Weitzel,  David  Rhein,  John  Snell,  Mich.  Bright, 
Nicholas  Lotz,  John  Keim,  Henry  Hahn,  jr.,  John 
Cunius. 

This  subscription  list  presents  a  great  variety  of  hand- 
writing. Many  of  the  names  are  in  German.  Nearly  all 
of  these  subscriptions  were  i)aid  in  full.  Tt  appears  that 
the  money  realized  from  this  subscription  was  insutticient 


FIRST   CHURCH.  195 

to  pay  the  church  debt.  The  balance  was  carried  uutil 
1814.  The  probability  is  that  there  were  other  debts  be- 
sides that  resting  on  the  church.  During  and  after  the 
Revolution  there  was  a  depression  in  business,  and  the 
result  was  debts  of  many  kinds. 

Many  Reformed  people  took  part  in  the  funeral  ser- 
vices in  memory  of  Gen.  George  Washington,  which  were 
held  on  Jan.  5,  1800.  (Washington  died  on  Dec.  14, 
1799.)  The  people  of  the  town  met  at  the  house  of  Henry 
Boyer,  and  marched,  while  the  bells  were  tolling,  to  Trin- 
ity Lutheran  church,  where  the  services  were  held.  A 
bier  containing  a  hat  and  a  sword  was  carried  in  the  pro- 
cession. Rev.  Mr.  Lehman  preached  the  sermon  on  Rev. 
2:  7. 

An  old  record  bearing  date  of  April  11,  180-  (unfor- 
tunately the  last  figure  is  wanting),  states  that  at  a  well 
attended  congregational  meeting  it  was  found  necessary  to 
repair  the  roof  and  steeple  of  the  church,  and  to  make  an 
addition  to  the  gallery.  The  latter  improvement  was  in- 
tended for  a  new  organ  in  case  sufficient  money  could  be 
raised.  The  old  organ  was  in  need  of  thorough  repair, 
which  was  supposed  to  cost  half  as  much  as  a  new  one, 
and  would  still  be  only  patch  work.  It  was  resolved  to 
take  up  subscriptions  for  these  purposes,  payable  in  two 
installments.  A  committee  was  appointed,  consisting  of 
Peter  Frolich,  Daniel  Rose,  Jacob  Dick  and  Johann 
Schnell.  The  first  installment  of  the  subscriptions  was 
to  be  paid  when  the  work  was  commenced,  and  the  other 
when  the  work  was  completed.  This  subscription  list  is 
a  long  one,  and  the  subscriptions  are  liberal.  Joseph 
Hiester  gave  the  largest  amount,  30  pounds  ;  Daniel  Rose, 


196  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

18  pouuds,  15  shillings;  Peter  Nagel,  9  pounds,  and  the 
other  members  various  sums  down  to  a  few  shillings. 
Nearly  all  the  names  are  written  in  German. 

The  old  book  contains  several  lists  of  subscriptions  to 
the  pastors'  salaries.  In  several  instances  no  date  is  given. 
One  list  is  that  for  the  salary  of  Rev.  Philip  Pauli  from 
May  1,  ISOl,  to  May  1,  1802.  The  statement  is  made 
that  Mr.  Pauli  had  been  serving  the  congregation  during 
eight  years,  and  was  willing  to  continue,  but  that  the  peo- 
ple had  to  provide  for  his  support.  The  consistory  was 
unable  to  make  up  his  full  salary  for  the  previous  year, 
and  the  people  were  requested  to  increase  their  subscrip- 
tions if  they  desired  to  retain  Mr.  Pauli  and  maintain 
public  worship.  The  responses  appear  to  have  been  lib- 
eral. There  are  a  number  of  subscriptions  of  more  than 
one  pound.  The  largest  amount  was  given  by  Joseph 
Hiestcr- — six  pounds,  or  over  $15.  The  average  appears 
to  be  far  above  the  average  contributions  in  many  country 
congregations  at  the  present  day. 

One  of  the  dark  spots  in  the  long  history  of  the  First 
church  is  the  record  of  a  lottery,  which  was  held  in  1806 
for  the  benefit  of  the  congregation  and  the  school.  The 
drawing  took  place  on  July  1.  Nicholas  Dick's  name 
appeared  on  the  tickets  as  commissioner.  But  we  must 
remember  that  church  lotteries  were  nothing  unusual  in 
those  days.  Then  as  now  people  did  certain  things,  be- 
cause others  did  them.  Custom  then  as  now  exerted  its 
influence,  and  no  doubt  the  saying,  "The  end  justifies  the 
means,"  had  much  to  do  with  justifying  the  lottery.  The 
congregation  was  in  debt,  and  this  method  was  employed 
to  raise  money.     We  have  no   means  of  knowing   how 


FIRST    CHURCH.  197 

much  was  realized  in  this  way,  but  it  is  certain  that  the 
debt  was  not  fully  paid  until  1814. 

In  1814  another  effort  was  made  to  raise  by  subscrip- 
tion the  money  needed  to  pay  the  balance  of  the  church 
debt.  The  subscriptions  of  1794  were  not  sufficient  to  pay 
the  debt  which  had  been  incurred  by  the  completion  of  the 
stone  church  of  17G1.  An  appeal  was  issued  to  the  mem- 
bers, in  which  the  existing  facts  were  recited,  and  the  peo- 
ple urged  to  remove  the  stain  (the  debt)  which  had  rested 
upon  the  congregation  during  fifty  years.  John  Hiester, 
John  Coller,  John  Miller  and  Daniel  Graeff  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  solicit  subscriptions.  At  the  same 
time  the  appeal  insinuated  that  the  debt  was  largely  the 
result  of  mismanagement  of  former  consistories.  The  ap- 
peal was  translated  into  English  and  issued  in  both  lan- 
guages. (This  fact  shows  that  already  at  that  time  there 
were  some  members  who  jireferred  the  English  language, 
although  there  was  no  English  preaching  until  1842.) 
The  German  form  bears  no  date,  but  the  English  transla- 
tion bears  the  date  of  Dec.  14,  1814.  The  date  of  the 
year  is  evidently  an  error,  and  should  be  1813,  because  a 
number  of  consistorial  meetings  were  held  in  1814  and 
action  taken  on  the  matter  of  the  subscriptions. 

The  above  insinuation  of  mismanagement  was  appar- 
ently well  founded,  for  at  the  congregational  meeting  on 
Jan.  3,  1814,  it  was  resolved  to  appoint  "a  committee  of 
oversight"  ( Wachsamkeit)  of  four  persons  from  the  congre- 
gation, whose  duty  and  right  it  was  to  attend  every  meet- 
ing of  the  consistory,  and  to  vote  upon  all  payments  of 
money  and  proposed  improvements  of  the  church  property. 
On  the  thirtieth  day  of  the  same    month    this    resolution 


198  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

was  read  from  the  pulpit  and  confirmed  by  the  people 
present.  The  following  gentlemen  were  by  a  vote  of  the 
people  appointed  as  members  of  this  committee  of  over- 
sight :  Nicholas  Scherer,  Peter  Aurand,  John  Boos  and 
Daniel  Rhein. — AVe  have  a  somewhat  similar  case  in  the 
history  of  the  congregation  during  some  years  previous  to 
1863,  when  a  floating  debt  of  nearly  ^3000  had  been 
accumulated,  which  was  fully  paid  in  1864. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  congregation  the  current 
expense  accounts  were  kept  according  to  the  English 
money  system  of  pounds,  shillings  and  pence  until  the 
close  of  the  year  1817,  when  the  system  of  dollars  and 
cents  was  adopted.  However  the  subscriptions  for  the 
payment  of  the  church  debt  in  1814  were  made  in  dollars 
and  cents. 

The  effort  in  1814  for  the  payment  of  the  church  debt 
was  apparently  successful.  As  stated  in  the  appeal,  a 
committee  of  four  persons  was  appointed  to  secure  the 
necessary  subscrij)tions.  This  committee  reported  on  May 
27,  1814,  to  an  adjourned  meeting  of  the  consistory,  the 
first  meeting  of  this  kind  recorded.  John  Hiester  col- 
lected ^652.o0,  John  Miller  ^93.75,  Jacob  Scherer  $68.50 
and  Daniel  Kerper  $18.75,  total  $833.50.  (It  appears 
that  John  ©oiler  and  Daniel  Graeff,  original  members  of 
the  committee,  did  not  serve,  and  Jacob  Scherer  and  Dan- 
iel Kerper  were  appointed  in  their  stead.)  Mr.  Hiester 
collected  over  three-fourths  of  the  whole  amount.  The 
amount  secured  was  evidently  sufficient  to  pay  all  debts. 
This  may  be  deduced  from  three  facts:  At  this  meeting  a 
number  of  bonds  were  reportt^l  as  having  been  paid  in 
full  ;  a  notice  was  read  four  times  from  the  pulpit  request- 


FIRST   CHURCH.  199 

ing  all  ])ersous  having  claims  against  the  congregation  to 
present  them  for  payment  ;  on  March  21,  1815,  the  con- 
sistory directed  that  the  balance  in  the  treasury  should  be 
invested. 

On  Oct.  10,  1813,  John  Follweiler  donated  |10  to  the 
congregation  "  for  the  sermon  at  the  funeral  of  his  sou." 

In  1814  a  considerable  sum  was  collected  by  subscrip- 
tion for  the  purchase  of  a  communion  service.  The  sub- 
scriptions ranged  from  four  dollars  given  by  Joseph 
Hiester,  who  always  contributed  liberally,  to"  12|  cents. 

It  is  a  singular  fact  that  during  the  long  history  of  the 
First  Reformed  church  of  Reading  only  one  of  her  pas- 
tors was  buried  in  her  graveyard — Rev.  Philip  Pauli. 
He  was  pastor  from  1793  to  1815,  and  died  on  Jan.  27, 
1815,  in  his  73d  year. 

On  Jan.  20,  1820,  the  consistory  resolved  to  secure  a 
new  bier  for  children  and  to  have  the  one  for  adults 
repaired.  With  the  removal  of  the  graveyard  the  bier 
has  gone  out  of  use.  In  every  country  church  this  article 
may  still  be  found,  usually  in  the  steeple. 

On  March  (3,  1824,  it  was  resolved  that  at  the  com- 
munion services  the  old  people  should  sit  together  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  church,  and  the  consistory  was  to  secure 
seats  for  them. 

Reading  being  a  central  place,  the  Coetus  and  the 
Synod  frequently  held  their  annual  sessions  in  the  First 
church.  The  Coetus  was  organized  in  Philadelphia  by 
Rev.  Michael  Schlatter  in  1747.  We  herewith  give  the 
dates  of  its  meetings  in  Reading  and  the  names  of  the  pre- 
siding officers : 

1766— Rev.  William  Otterbein. 

1771— Rev.  F.  L.  Henop. 


200  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

1777— Rev.  John  H.  Helffricli. 

1782— Rev.  C.  D.  Wevberg. 

1785 — Rev.  Abraliam  Blunier. 

1788— Rev.  A.  C.  HelffeDstein. 

In  1793  the  Coetus  was  changed  to  a  Synod.  Follow- 
ing are  the  dates  of  its  meetings  in  Reading  and  the  names 
of  its  presidents : 

171)4— Rev.  Casper  Wack. 

1799 — Rev.  Daniel  Wagner. 

1804— Rev.  J.  Rahauser. 

1811— Rev.  F.  L.  Herman. 

1821— Rev.  L.  F.  Hinsch. 

1841— Rev.  T.  L.  Hoffeditz. 

1856— Rev.  S.  HelfFenstein. 

1876- Rev.  John  Beck,  D.  D. 

1883— Rev.  T.  C.  Porter,  D.  D. 

1890— Rev.  T.  O.  Stem. 

1898— Rev.  D.  W.  Gerhard. 

Peter  Nagel,  jr.,  son  of  Capt.  Peter  Nagel  of  Revoln- 
tionary  fame,  was  a  man  of  superior  musical  talent,  and 
served  as  organist  of  the  Reformed  church  during  his 
early  manhood.  He  served  as  burgess  of  Reading  from 
1825  to  1831,  1832,  1833  and  1837  to  1839— ten  years. 
During  his  incumbency  Gen.  Lafayette,  the  Frenchman 
who  had  rendered  valuable  aid  to  the  Americans  during 
the  Revolntion,  visited  the  United  States  in  1824,  and 
was  received  with  the  greatest  joy  by  the  j^eople.  He  ar- 
rived at  New  York  on  August  16.  The  news  of  his 
arrival  reached  Reading  the  next  day  and  awakened  great 
joy  among  the  people.  The  church  bells  were  rung  and 
cannon  were  heard  nearlv  all   dav.      In   the   evening  the 


FIR8T    CHURCH.  201 

town  was  thoroughly  ilhimiuated,  and  a  torch-light  pa- 
rade was  held,  with  Daniel  Rose,  a  prominent  Reformed 
man,  as  marshal.  Afterward  a  number  of  citizens  of 
Reading  went  to  Philadelphia  on  a  packet  boat  on  the 
Schuylkill  canal  and  took  part  in  honoring  Lafayette 
there.  The  general  subsequently  sent  a  letter  of  thanks 
to  Burgess  Nagel.  Squire  Nagel  was  a  corpulent  man, 
over  six  feet  in  height,  and  weighing  about  325  pounds. 
He  died  on  May  1,  1846,  aged  63  years,  11  months  and 
21  days,  and  was  buried  by  Pastor  Bucher. 

On  Oct.  25,  1844,  Dr.  Philip  Schaff  was  installed  as 
Professor  of  Church  History  and  Biblical  Literature  in 
the  seminary  at  Mercersburg,  Pa.  The  service  was  held 
in  the  First  church  at  Reading,  and  was  conducted  by  a 
committee  appointed  for  this  purpose  by  the  synod,  con- 
sisting of  Revs.  Jacob  C.  Becker,  D.  D.,  Theodore  L. 
Hoffeditz,  D.  D.,  and  Benjamin  S.  Schneck,  D.  D.  Dr. 
Schaff  delivered  an  inaugural  address,  which  was  entitled 
"  Principles  of  Protestantism."  It  was  later  charged  that 
the  address  contained  Romanizing  tendencies,  and  the 
matter  was  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  synod  of  York 
in  1845.  The  synod  made  an  investigation,  and  Dr.  Schaif 
was  vindicated  by  the  synod  by  a  vote  of  40  to  3. 

After  serving  for  some  years  as  professor  in  the  Re- 
formed seminary.  Dr.  Schaff  accepted  a  call  to  the  Pres- 
byterian Church.  In  1893,  during  the  sessions  of  the 
General  Synod  in  St.  Paul's  Reformed  church  in  Read- 
ing, Dr.  Schaff  delivered  a  farewell  address  to  the  Re- 
formed Church.  It  was  an  interesting  coincidence  that  he 
delivered  both  addresses  on  practically  the  same  ground. 
14 


202  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

The  statement  of  1781  mentions  Congress  money,  state 
money  and  specie.  This  indicates  the  unsatisfactory  con- 
dition of  the  financial  system  of  the  time. 

In  the  auditor's  report  of  Feb.  5,  1864,  the  treasurer 
is  allowed  a  credit  of  $11.55  for  "notes  of  broken  banks 
and  counterfeit  coins."  This  reminds  us  of  two  things — 
the  unreliability  of  bank  notes  in  those  days  and  the 
wicked  persons  who  dropped  counterfeit  money  into  the 
collection  baskets.  This  class  of  people  is  usually  con- 
sidered as  being  about  the  meanest  in  the  community. 
On  other  occasions  the  treasurer  was  allowed  credit  for 
counterfeit  money  received. 

There  is  freipient  and  just  comi)laint  of  the  small  at- 
tendance at  congregational  meetings.  Usually  only  a 
small  proportion  of  the  members  attend  such  meetings. 
The  work  is  committed  to  a  few  persons.  The  large  ma- 
jority prefer  to  remain  away,  reserving  the  right  to  criti- 
cise the  action  of  those  who  attend.  But  it  has  always 
been  thus.  In  1853  the  annual  congregational  meeting 
was  attended  by  just  one  dozen  persons.  ' 

Dr.  J.  C  Bucher  noted  the  fees  received  in  connection 
with  the  record  of  marriages.  It  is  interesting  to  see  how 
greatly  these  fees  varied.  Fhe  lowest  one  recorded  is  IG 
cents,  and  the  highest  $5.  This  latter  sum  occurs  four 
times  in  the  total  number  of  108  marriages  during  Dr. 
Bucher's  pastorate  from  1842  to  1848.  The  following 
fees  are  recorded  among  others  :  50  cents,  75  cents,  87 1 
cents,  $1,371,  $1,871,  $1.90,  $2.87^,  etc.  The  most  fre- 
(juent  fees  were  one  and  two  dollars. 

As  our  readers  will  remember,  the  word  German  was 
carried  along  in  the  title  of  the  Reformed  Churrli   until 


FIRST    CHURCH.  203 

the  year  1<S69.  How  apj^ropriate  was  the  dropping  of 
the  word  may  be  seen  from  the  following  case.  In  1848 
the  consistory  of  the  First  chnrch  of  Reading  adopted  a 
r(  solution  declaring  the  desirability  of  "  organizing  a  sec- 
ond German  Reformed  church,  to  have  its  worship  alto- 
gether in  the  English  language."  This  sounds  like  a 
contradiction — a  German  church  for  exclusively  English 
worship. 

It  was  from  an  early  date  customary  to  give  free 
entertainment  to  the  delegates  at  the  meetings  of  the  synod 
and  the  classis.  On  April  20,  1840,  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  secure  entertainment  for  the  members  of 
Lebanon  Classis,  which  met  on  June  1.  .On  February  1, 
1842,  George  Gernant  was  paid  .^9.00  "for  boarding  del- 
egates to  synod  (classis)  and  their  horses."  On  Sept.  5, 
1842,  INIary  Levan  was  paid  $8.50  "  for  boarding  minis- 
ters and  deputies  at  the  synod." 

As  stated  on  page  136,  the  celebration  of  the  three- 
hundredth  anniversary  of  the  adoption  of  the  Heidelberg 
Catecliism  was  brought  to  a  close  by  a  general  convention 
in  the  First  church  in  Reading  from  May  21  to  25,  1864. 
The  church  was  beautifully  decorated  for  the  occasion. 
The  convention  met  on  Saturday  evening,  when  Dr.  Dan- 
iel Zacharias,  of  Frederick,  Md.,  preached  the  opening 
sermon.  On  Sunday  morning  Dr.  Philip  Schaff  preached 
a  German  sermon,  after  which  the  communion  was  cele- 
brated. In  the  afternoon  a  union  Sunday  school  service 
was  held  with  about  1000  scholars  present.  There  were' 
then  three  Reformed  schools  in  the  city  —  First,  Second 
and  the  recently  organized  St.  John's.  Dr.  E.  V.  Ger- 
hart  presided  over  the  convention. — On  Thursday    morn- 


204  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHDRCH. 

iug  Dr.  Henry  Harbaugh  was  inaugurated  professor  of 
Practical  and  Didactical  Theology  in  the  Theological  Sem- 
inary at  Mercersburg.  He  delivered  an  inaugural  address 
which  was  two  hours  in  length. — At  this  convention  it 
was  first  proposed  to  drop  the  word  "  German"  from  the 
title  of  the  Church. 

During  the  fall  of  1903  the  steeple  of  the  church  was 
repaired  and  painted  at  an  expense  of  $250.  The  work 
was  done  by  Mr.  Sutherland,  who  is  known  as  the  "  Hu- 
man Fly"  on  account  of  the  unique  way  in  which  he  per- 
forms his  work.  He  paiuted  several  church  steeples  in 
Reading.  He  requires  no  scaffolding,  but  simply  walks 
up  and  down  the  steeples.  He  does  this  by  means  of 
suction  shoes  and  gloves.  His  work  is  apparently  very 
hazardous.  Whilst  at  work  on  the  steeple  of  the  First 
church  he  was  watcfied  by  many  people. 

The  pastorate  of  Dr.  Mosser  was  the  longest  in  the 
history  of  the  First  church — a  little  over  thirty  years,  viz., 
from  June,  1873,  to  September,  1903.  The  next  longest 
was  that  of  Rev.  William  Pauli — about  twenty-seven 
years.  Rev.  Philip  Pauli  was  pastor  about  twenty-two 
years. 

Here  as  elsewhere  Alexander  the  coppersmith  has  al- 
ways been  putting  in  his  work.  During  many  years  the 
church  collections  consisted  almost  exclusively  of  cents 
and  half  cents.  A  hundred  years  ago  pennies  were  far 
more  in  place  in  the  collection  basket  than  now.  In  those 
years,  and  long  after,  many  half  cents  were  in  circulation. 
In  1834  the  treasurer,  Peter  Nagel,  i)aid  Benneville  Keim 
$40.25  in  cents  and  half  cents.  In  1830  Mr.  Xagel  paid 
the  same  gentleman  $28  in  cents.  The  half  cent  appears 
in  the  treasurer's  account  all  the  way  down  to  1858. 


FIRST   CHURCH.  205 

Mr.  Benueville  Keini,  a  well-known  hardware  dealer, 
furnished  material  for  the  new  church  of  1832,  amount- 
ing to  $G25.84i.  Singularly  he  made  out  the  bill  in  the 
name  of  the  Presbyterian  congregation,  Mr.  Keim  con- 
tributed $50  toward  the  cost  of  the  church.  His  bill  was 
fully  paid  only  in  the  early  part  of  1837. 

During  a  long  period,  probably  more  than  a  hundred 
years,  the  collections  in  the  church  were  taken  with  the 
"  Klingelsack,"  which  was  a  velvet  bag  attached  to  a  long 
pole.  Originally  these  bags  had  little  bells  attached  to 
the  bottom  of  them,  whence  the  term  "  Klingelsack." 
Such  bags  are  still  used  in  some  country  churches.  Col- 
lections were  taken  not  only  at  the  regular  Sunday  ser- 
vices, but  also  at  funerals.  Then  as  now  money  was  an 
important  factor  in  the  management  of  the  church.  Some 
people  objected  to  the  "  Klingelsack"  collections  at  funer- 
als, and  in  some  instances  requests  were  made  for  their 
omission.  On  Jan.  20,  1820,  the  consistory  resolved  that 
when  requests  were  made  that  the  "  Klingelsack"  should 
not  be  used  at  funerals,  the  mourners  should  be  passed  by 
in  such  cases.  But  the  collection  was  still  taken  among 
the  others.— On  Sept.  14,  1822,  the  heirs  of  William 
Hiester  were  asked  to  pay  $5  because  no  collection  M'as 
lifted  at  his  funeral,  and  $10  for  his  grave,  total  $15.  On 
March  6,  1824,  it  was  agreed  that  at  funerals  no  collec- 
tions should  be  taken  in  the  first  two  pews  occupied  by 
mourners.  It  would  be  interesting  to  know  when  the  col- 
lections at  funerals  were  finally  dropped.  The  record 
appears  to  be  silent  on  this  subject. 

During  a  long  period  two  elders  were  annually  ap- 
pointed to  issue  orders  for  the  digging  of  graves.     They 


206  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

usually  had  a  list  of  the  membership  to  see  who  was  en- 
titled to  burial  rights  on  the  graveyard. 

During  many  years  the  city  was  divided  into  an  upper 
and  a  lower  section  for  collecting  the  pastor's  salary.  The 
collecting  was  of  course  done  by  the  deacons.  One  dea- 
con was  also  designated  from  year  to  year  to  receive  the 
"  alms."  This  refers  to  the  Sunday  collections,  which 
passed  into  the  treasury  and  were  used  for  current  ex- 
penses. 

In  1858  Rev.  Benjamin  Schneider,  of  Aintab,  Turkey, 
visited  Reading  and  preached  in  the  First  church.  He 
was  the  first  foreign  missionary  supported  by  the  Re- 
formed Church  in  this  country,  and  his  visit  here  was  an 
unusual  event.  In  recent  years  foreign  missionaries  fre- 
quently visited  Reading,  and  the  Reading  churches  at 
present  have  three  laborers  in  the  foreign  field — Rev.  H. 
K.  Miller  from  St.  Paul's  church,  Mrs.  D.  B.  Schneder 
from  St.  Stephen's  church,  and  Miss  S.  Emma  Ziemer 
from  the  First  church. 

During  its  long  history  the  congregation  has  had  many 
organists.  Some  of  them,  whilst  they  answered  their  pur- 
pose well  in  their  time,  would  hardly  be  competent  to  fill 
the  position  to-day.  Organists,  as  well  as  other  people, 
are  liable  to  err.  The  late  Dr.  A.  S.  Leinbach  was  a  man 
of  considerable  musical  talent.  On  the  occasion  of  a 
funeral  the  organist  played  the  wrong  tune.  After  one 
stanza  had  been  sung.  Dr.  Leinbach  rapped  on  the  pulpit 
and  said  :  "  Die  Melodic  ist  falsch.  Gieb  uns  das  Green- 
ville Lied."     (The  tune  is  wrong.     Give  us  Greenville.) 

During  the  fall  of  1897  the  150th  anniversary  of  the 
organization  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  this  country  was 


FIRST   CHURCH.  207 

celebrated  in  various  Reformed  churches  of  Reading. 
The  figures  1747-1897  were  prominent  in  the  decorations. 
The  former  figures  represented  the  year  of  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  Reformed  Coetus  (Synod)  by  Rev.  Michael 
Schlatter.  On  the  above  occasion  the  pastors  preached 
historical  sermons. 

During  the  night  of  Sept.  13  to  14,  1901,  the  people 
of  Reading  were  startled  by  the  tolling  of  the  bells  of  the 
First  church,  as  well  as  those  of  other  churches.  It  did 
not  take  them  long  to  surmise  the  cause.  The  tolling  of 
the  bells  announced  the  death  of  William  McKinley, 
President  of  the  United  States,  who  had  been  shot  by  an 
assassin  on  Sept.  6  at  the  Pan-American  Exposition  at 
Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

The  first  congregation  has  produced  a  considerable 
number  of  ministers  for  the  Reformed  Church.  We  re- 
gret that  we  cannot  furnish  a  complete  list,  but  the  fol- 
lowing are  some  of  them  :  Revs.  B.  S.  Schneck,  D.  D., 
Peter  S.  Fisher,  Daniel  Ziegler,  D.  D.,  Henry  Aurand, 
W.  K.  Zieber,  D.  D.,  J.  O.  Miller,  D.  D.,  John  S.  Er- 
mentrout,  Fred.  P.  Beidler,  Reinhart  Smith,  Christian 
Kessler,  Tobias  Kessler,  John  M.  Kessler  (three  broth- 
ers), J.  Alvin  Reber,  Geo.  W.  Griffith,  David  A.  Souders, 
E.  O.  Keen,  Harry  H.  Price.  The  three  Kessler  broth- 
ers grew  up  in  the  First  church,  but  all  are  dead.  Mr. 
Harry  A.  Hartman  is  now  a  student  in  the  theological 
seminary  at  Lancaster. 

The  statement  has  been  made  that  the  Reformed  con- 
gregation at  one  time  owned  all  the  ground  between  Penn 
and  Walnut,  and  Sixth  and  Seventh  streets.  This  state- 
ment is  incorrect.     A  careful  examination  shows  that  at 


208  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

various  times  the  congregation  owned  all  the  ground  front- 
ing on  Xorth  Sixth  street,  between  Washington  and  Wal- 
nut streets,  from  iSixth  to  Reed  streets  ;  also  the  ground 
upon  which  the  county  court-house  stands ;  the  northwest 
corner  of  Seventh  and  Penn  streets,  and  the  lot  at  the 
southwest  corner  of  Seventh  and  AVashington  streets, 
which  latter  was  the  school  property.  The  congregation 
never  owned  all  of  this  property  at  one  time.  The  lots 
originally  contained  60  feet  front  and  230  feet  in  depth. 
The  ground  was  sold  at  various  times,  and  the  money 
used  for  the  payment  of  debts,  and  in  the  last  instance  for 
the  erection  of  St.  Paul's  church.  All  of  the  ground  be- 
came quite  valuable  in  the  course  of  time.  For  example, 
the  ground  at  Sixth  and  Walnut  streets,  100  by  230  feet, 
was  sold  in  1851  for  S2500.  This  ground  would  to-day 
bring  at  least  825,000. 

The  oldest  member  of  the  First  church  now  living  is 
Mrs.  Mary,  widow  of  Henry  Christman,  residing  at  500 
Buttonwood  street.  On  June  17,  1905,  she  celebrated 
hci"  96th  birthday  anniversary.  She  was  blind  nine  years 
until  she  had  reached  ninety  years,  when  an  operation  re- 
stored her  eyesight,  so  that  she  could  read  her  Bible  sev- 
eral hours  a  day.  At  this  time  she  is  feeble  in  body  and 
mind. 

There  are  at  present  fourteen  Reformed  congregations 
in  the  city  of  Reading.  Ten  of  these  are  less  than  twenty- 
five  years  old.  Only  three  of  the  fourteen  have  received 
missionary  aid  from  the  Mission  Boards.  The  others 
were  aided  by  friends  at  home  until  they  became  self- 
sustaining.  There  is  perhaps  no  other  city  in  the  coun- 
try in  which  the  Reformed  Church  has  such  a  record  of 
self-help. 


FIRST    CHURCH.  209 

During  many  years  a  beautiful  custom  prevailed  in 
the  First  church.  On  Sunday  morning  a  considerable 
number  of  children  attended  the  service,  whether  English 
or  German.  Many  of  them  were  seated  upon  the  project- 
ing base  of  the  chancel  railing.  Frequently  the  whole 
chancel  front  was  occupied  with  happy  children.  Others 
occupied  seats  on  the  gallery,  in  front  of  the  organ.  They 
were  entirely  orderly,  and  apparently  partook  fully  of  the 
spirit  of  worship.  The  presence  of  the  children  was  a 
beautiful  sight.  The  writer  well  remembers  the  custom 
during  the  pastorate  of  Dr.  Bausman. 

On  Sunday  afternoon,  Nov.  26,  1892,  a  Men's  Union 
was  organized  in  the  First  church.  The  lecture  room  was 
filled  with  men  from  the  several  Reformed  congregations. 
VThe  object  of  the  organization  was  to  bring  the  men  of  the 
Church  into  closer  fellowship  with  each  other  and  to  train 
fhera  for  active  church  work.  Monthly  devotional  meet- 
Zings  were  held  on  Sunday  afternoon  in  various  churches, 
when  short  addresses  were  delivered,  usually  by  laymen, 
on  practical  subjects  connected  with  church  work.  The 
Union  existed  about  a  year,  when  it  was  discontinued. 

On  June  15,  1904,  a  special  meeting  of  the  Eastern 
Synod  was  held  in  the  First  church  for  the  purpose  of 
electing  a  professor  of  Systematic  Theology  in  Lancaster 
Seminary  to  succeed  the  late  Dr.  E.  V.  Gerhart.  Rev. 
Theo.  F.  Herman,  of  Allentown,  Pa.,  was  elected,  but  he 
afterward  declined  the  office  on  August  3,  1904. 

In  the  fall  of  1904  the  several  societies  of  the  congre- 
gation purchased  and  forwarded  a  set  of  beautiful  furni- 
ture for  the  chapel  of  the  Reformed  mission  at  Yochow, 
China,  in  which  Miss  S.  Emma  Zieraer  is  a  teacher.     The 


210  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

furniture  consists  of  an  altar,  pulpit,  reading  desk,  bap- 
tismal font,  and  three  chairs.  It  is  finished  in  medium 
golden  oak,  handsomely  carved,  and  was  much  admired. 
It  cost  $216.62.     The  freight  to  China  amounted  to  |68. 

On  Xov.  3,  1904,  the  Men's  League  of  the  First 
church  was  organized.  Its  object  was  the  physical,  men- 
tal, social  and  spiritual  welfare  of  the  young  men  of  the 
congregation.  At  present  there  are  about  forty  members, 
and  monthly  meetings  are  held. 

The  history  of  the  First  church  in  Reading  extends 
over  fully  one  hundred  and  fifty  years.  It  cannot  be 
stated  when  the  first  record  of  the  proceedings  of  the  con- 
sistory was  commenced.  The  first  minute  book  at  hand 
was  commenced  with  the  year  1787.  From  that  date  to 
the  present  time  complete  minutes  are  at  hand,  which  is  a 
fortunate  circumstance.  The  financial  record  dates  from 
the  year  1756.  This  latter  book  furnishes  much  impor- 
tant information  about  the  early  history  of  the  church. 

The  number  of  officers  of  the  congregation  in  the  be- 
ginning cannot  be  stated  with  certainty,  but  there  were 
trustees,  elders  and  deacons.  After  the  incorporation  in 
1786  there  were  fifteen  officers — three  trustees,  six  elders 
and  six  d  aeons.  The  account  book,  which  commences 
with  1756,  informs  us  that  for  some  time  the  deacons  met 
at  stated  times  and  made  settlement  of  the  alms.  By  this 
term  must  be  understood  the  collections  in  the  church 
which  w^ere  used  for  congregational  purposes.  In  1 769 
the  proceedings  of  the  meeting  of  the  deacons  are  for  the 
first  time  signed  by  the  six  deacons.  Subsecpiently  and 
during  many  years  the  statements  are  signed  by  all  the 
members  of  the  consistory  present.     Frequently  the  name 


FIRST    CHURCH.  211 

of  Joseph  Hiester  appears  first.  Twelve  times  the  state- 
ments are  also  signed  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Boos,  the  pastor. 
During  many  years  the  consistory  was  a  self-perpetuating 
body,  that  is,  it  elected  its  own  members,  until  Jan.  8, 
1817,  when  the  congregation  elected  the  members  of  the 
consistory.  Until  1814  annual  meetings  were  held,  but 
on  January  3  of  that  year  the  congregation  resolved  that 
quarterly  meetings  should  be  held.  This  was  done,  but 
frequently  there  was  no  quorum,  and  no  business  could  be 
transacted.  During  many  years,  down  to  the  present 
time,  regular  meetings  were  held  monthly.  The  meetings 
were  during  many  years  held  in  the  school  house.  In 
1813  all  the  members  of  the  consistory  are  for  the  first 
time  recorded.  This  has  ever  since  been  done  at  the  be- 
ginning of  each  year.  On  Aug.  21,  1813,  it  was  resolved 
that  if  a  member  of  the  consistory  failed  to  attend  a  meet- 
ing, except  in  case  of  illness,  he  should  be  fined  fifty 
cents.  On  Aug.  27,  1814,  John  Birkenbine  paid  fifty 
cents  as  a  fine  for  absence.  On  January  20,  1820,  it  was 
made  a  rule  that  when  a  member  of  the  consistory  was 
making  a  motion,  he  should  not  be  interrupted  by  another 
member. 

The  congregation  has  always  had  its  trouble  with 
members  who  were  delinquent  in  the  payment  of  their 
dues.  On  Jan.  8,  1787,  the  consistory  declared  that  only 
those  who  contributed  to  the  support  of  the  congregation, 
excepting  poor  people,  had  a  right  to  the  graveyard.  On 
March  25,  1789,  a  similar  resolution  was  adopted.  On 
Feb.  5,  1812,  the  delinquents  were  to  some  extent  put 
under  the  "  ban,"  as  it  is  used  in  the  Roman  Church. 
Delinquents  were  notified   to  pay  their  dues ;  in  case  of 


212  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

refusal,  their  names  were  erased,  they  ceased  to  be  mem- 
bers, had  uo  right  to  the  graveyard  and  were  deprived  of 
the  services  of  the  pastor.  On  March  9,  1816,  it  was 
resolved  that  no  one  could  commune  unless  he  paid  at 
least  fifty  cents  per  year  to  the  church.  This  action  was 
rescinded  on  February  1,  1817. 

During  a  number  of  years  annual  settlements  were 
made  at  the  close  of  each  year.  At  first  the  deacons  alone 
examined  the  accounts,  afterward  the  whole  consistory. 
The  receipts  were  called  "  alms."  Sometimes  the  receipts 
are  called  "  alms  and  puli)it  money."  At  first  the  state- 
ments were  signed  by  the  deacons,  subsequently  by  the 
whole  consistory. 

During  twelve  years,  from  1771  to  1781,  inclusive, 
the  reports  were  signed  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Boos,  the  pastor. 
In  1786  the  report  of  settlement  was  signed  by  Rev.  Bern- 
hard  F.  Willy,  the  pastor,  and  others.  In  1770  the  re- 
ceipts amounted  to  over  43  pounds.  In  subsequent  years 
the  amount  was  considerably  increased.  In  1771  the 
receipts  from  alms  and  collections  amounted  to  55  pounds. 
The  expenses  were  small,  which  left  a  balance  of  26 
pounds.  This  balance  was  paid  to  Christian  Ruth  on  his 
bond.  In  1772  Mr.  Ruth  was  paid  40  pounds.  In  1773 
the  receipts  amounted  to  64  pounds ;  41  pounds  were  paid 
to  Mr.  Ruth  and  21  pounds  to  Mr.  Rieser  on  their  loans. 
In  1774  the  receipts  amounted  to  50  pounds,  and  22 
pounds  were  paid  to  Mr.  Rieser.  In  1775  the  receipts 
amounted  to  51  pounds,  and  this  statement  was  made  by 
the  consistory  :  "  With  this  money  the  balance  of  the  debt 
on  our  church  was  fully  paid."  Thus  the  first  debt  on  the 
stone  church  was  paid. 


FIRST   CHURCH.  21. *> 

In  1778  the  sum  of  25  pouucls  was  paid  Mr.  l^icsor  on 
account  of  the  erection  of  the  school  house  in  1776. 

Secretaries. — From  the  beginning  of  the  congregation 
to  the  year  1842  the  minutes  were  recorded  in  the  Ger- 
man language.  All  of  them  are  entered  in  good,  legible 
style.  It  is  not  stated  who  were  the  earliest  secretaries. 
During  many  years  down  to  August,  1842,  Mr.  John  Ro- 
land, the  schoolmaster,  served  as  secretary.  He  was  an 
efficient  officer,  and  his  record  is  now  very  valuable. — The 
English  record  of  the  proceedings  of  the  consistory  was 
commenced  in  1842.  There  is  a  great  variety  in  penman- 
ship. Some  of  the  earlier  English  secretaries  did  some 
violence  to  the  king's  English.  After  the  English  lan- 
guage had  been  introduced,  those  confirmed  in  English 
and  German  are  entered  separately.  In  a  number  of  in- 
stances the  secretary  states  that  "the  following  persons 
were  confirmed  in  the  English  Langulxhy  The  same  offi- 
cer states  repeatedly  that  the  consistory  met  ^^  previous  to 
notice,"  instead  of  pursuant  to  notice.  On  one  occasion 
he  records  the  fact  that  a  certain  person  was  received  as  a 
member  by  letter  from  the  "Theckend  Reformed  church 
of  Philadelphia." — On  one  occasion  the  resignation  of  an 
officer  was  "  excepted." — In  1856  a  report  was  "laid  on 
the  table  and  considered." — At  a  congregational  election 
the  "  poles"  were  opened. — At  one  place  there  is  a  list  of 
the  elders  and  deogons. 

Those  who  have  filled  the  position  of  secretary  of  the 
consistory  during  long  periods  since  1842  were  Henry 
Ermentrout,  H.  C.  Ritter,  David  Neff,  W.  R.  Yeich,  Cy- 
rus Rick,  Joseph  S.  Hoyer,  Levi  R.  Snyder,  A.  S.  Hart- 
raan,  S.  R.  Barnet,  H.  H.  Shomo  and  Charles  K.  Snell. 


214  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Mr.  Levi  R.  Snyder,  who  was  confirmed  by  Rev.  William 
Pauli  at  Sinking  Spring  in  1853,  served  from  Jan.  1, 
1879,  to  Jan.  1,  1890,  a  period  of  eleven  years.  Mr. 
Snell  has  been  serving  since  Jan.  1,  1898,  to  the  present 
time.  He  is  an  excellent  penman  and  a  painstaking  offi- 
cer, and  his  minutes  are  the  most  legible  of  all  on  record. 
Mr.  Snell  is  a  great-grandson  of  Col.  Nicholas  Lotz,  an 
officer  of  the  Revolution  mentioned  in  this  volume,  who 
was  a  member  of  the  First  Reformed  church. 

Treasurers. — During  the  early  part  of  her  history  the 
congregation  does  not  appear  to  have  had  a  treasurer. 
The  deacons  collected  the  money  and  made  settlement  at 
stated  times.  On  Jan.  8,  1787,  the  consistory  resolved  to 
elected  a  "  cashier,"  and  Mr.  Jacob  VViney  was  chosen  to 
the  position.  All  moneys  had  to  be  paid  to  him,  includ- 
ing that  for  the  debt  on  the  parsonage,  and  lie  was  directed 
to  pay  out  no  money  except  upon  orders.  He  appears  to 
have  served  until  1796,  when  John  Hartman  filled  the 
position.  In  1798  John  Walter  was  treasurer,  and  he 
apparently  continued  such  until  1808,  when  Nicholas  Lott 
appears  in  the  record  as  the  treasurer.  He  is  repeatedly 
called  "  paymaster."  Mr.  Lott  served  as  treasurer  dur- 
ing a  long  period,  until  1834.  He  was  a  prominent  and 
active  member  of  the  congregation,  and  was  long  an  office- 
bearer.— Peter  Nagel,  esq.,  was  elected  treasiirer  in  May, 
1834.  On  May  8,  1837,  the  consistory  resolved  that  Mr. 
Nagel  should  hold  his  office  for  life.  But  he  continued 
in  office  only  until  April,  1839,  when  Mr.  Cunnius  was 
elected.  The  probability  is  that  Mr.  Nagel  resigned  on 
account  of  j)iiysical  disability.  He  was  a  son  of  Capt. 
Peter  Nagel,  of  Revolutionary  fame  referred  to  in  chap- 


FIRST    CHURCH.  215 

ter  on  "  Revolution."— On  April  27,  1839,  John  Y.  Cun- 
nius  was  elected  treasurer.  He  was  a  prominent  man  in 
the  community  and  served  as  county  commissioner  from 
1835  to  1838.  During  the  latter  year  the  erection  of  the 
present  large  court  house  in  our  city  was  commenced,  and 
the  name  of  Mr.  Cunnius  appears  first  on  the  large  tablet 
in  the  front  of  the  building,  containing  the  names  of  the 
commissioners,  architect,  etc.  (Another  county  commis- 
sioner was  Michael  Reifsuyder,  a  member  of  the  Reformed 
consistory  at  the  time.)  Mr.  Cunnius  continued  in  office 
until  Sept.  17,  1840,  when  John  Schroeter  was  elected. 
Mr.  Cunnius  was  again  elected  on  Jan.  14,  1843,  and 
served  until  the  close  of  1849.  —  William  Ermentrout  filled 
the  office  from  1850  to  1854. — Augustus  W.  Nagel,  a  son 
of  the  above  Peter  Nagel,  jr.,  and  a  grandson  of  Capt. 
Peter  Nagel,  served  from  May,  1854,  to  January,  1864. — 
He  was  succeeded  by  Judge  Daniel  Young,  who  served 
from  Jan.  18,  1864,  to  the  end  of  1872,  when  he  with- 
draw and  united  with  St.  Paul's  congregation.  He  had 
taken  a  warm  interest  in  the  erection  of  the  new  church 
and  often  expressed  the  hope  that  he  might  live  to  see  it 
completed.  He  was  one  of  the  first  persons  buried  from 
the  chapel  of  the  new  church. — A.  J.  Fisher  served  as 
treasurer  from  the  beginning  of  1873  until  the  close  of 
1877. — William  High  was  treasurer  during  1878  and 
1879  ;  Richard  S.  Dunkle,  1884-1887  ;  Jesse  M.  Sprecher, 
1888  ;  William  H.  Schearrcr,  1889  ;  Daniel  F.  Dietrich, 
1890-1892.  R.  Monroe  Hoffiuan  has  filled  the  office 
from  the  beginning  of  1893  to  the  ])resent  time. 

Sextovs. — During  many  years  the  sexton  of  the  church 
was  called  the  "  gravedigger."     This  was  his  title  from  the 


216  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

beginning  of  the  congregation  down  to  1855.  Likely  the 
reason  for  this  is  the  fact  that  for  a  long  time  his  princi- 
pal work  was  the  digging  of  graves.  He  had  also  to  take 
care  of  the  church,  but  this  did  not  require  much  time 
until  the  erection  of  the  present  buikliug  in  1832.  Some- 
times the  gravedigger  overcharged  people,  which  led  the 
consistory  to  regulate  the  charges  to  be  made  for  digging 
graves. — The  first  reference  to  this  official  is  on  Feb.  21, 
1798,  when  gravedigger  Funck  was  discharged  because  he 
had  overcharged  people  and  seldom  pumped  the  bellows 
at  the  organ.  Philip  Ulrich  was  elected  in  his  place.  He 
was  allowed  to  charge  only  $1.00  for  digging  a  large 
grave,  and  fifty  cents  for  a  small  one.  On  March  9, 
1816,  the  rates  were  raised  to  $2.00  and  $1.50  respect- 
ively.— In  May,  1814,  John  Geily  was  elected  grave- 
digger,  at  a  salary  of  S14  per  year.  He  had  to  keep  the 
church  clean,  attend  the  fires  and  pump  the  organ  bellows. 
His  salary  appears  very  small  to  us  in  these  later  days, 
but  we  must  remember  that  a  dollar  went  as  far  then  as 
three  dollars  go  now.  Besides,  we  must  remember  that 
his  support  came  principally  from  gravedigging.  He  also 
had  the  use  of  the  unoccupied  part  of  the  graveyard. 
Wages  were  low  in  those  days.  (The  father  of  the  writer, 
who  was  born  in  1810,  worked  many  days  in  hay  and 
harvest  fields  for  37J  cents  per  day.)  Wc  assume  that 
the  gravedigger  also  had  the  use  of  a  dwelling  free  all 
along.  In  1843  Mr.  Lott  was  given  $20  per  year  and 
"the  use  of  the  one-half  of  the  house  of  the  congregation 
which  he  then  occupied."  Mr.  Geily  served  until  the 
spriug  of  18.'iO,  or  about  sixteen  years.  On  February  13, 
1830,  the  consistory  resolved  that   he  should  serve    until 


FIEST    CHURCH.  217 

October  1  of  that  year,  "  but  he  must  not  charge  more  for 
graves  than  the  stipulated. price — $1.£0  for  a  single  grave, 
$2.00  for  a  double  grave,  $1.00  for  a  child  under  ten 
years,  and  |1.50  for  a  child  over  ten  years.  Should  he 
fail  to  perform  his  duty,  the  consistory  may  dismiss  him 
at  any  time."  But  he  served  only  until  May  1. — On 
May  1,  1830,  Jacob  Dieter  was  appointed  grave  digger, 
with  a  salary  of  $14  per  year.  The  rates  for  digging 
graves  were  renewed  as  above.  On  May  16,  1838,  the 
gravedigger's  salary  was  increased  to  $22.  His  work  had 
been  increased  by  the  new  and  larger  church.  He  had  to 
attenel  to  two  stoves  and  a  number  of  lights  when  evening 
services  Avere  held,  and  keep  the  church  clean.  Mr. 
Dieter  served  nine  years,  from  1830  to  1839. — On  AprW 
27,  1839,  Henry  iSchwartz  was  appointed  gravedigger  at 
the  former  salary.  The  rates  for  digging  graves  were 
contiuued.  Mr.  S.  serveel  only  two  years. — On  May  15, 
1841,  Jacob  Dieter,  the  former  official,  was  again  ap- 
pointed gravedigger  at  the  previous  salary,  but  he  was 
allowed  $3.00  per  year  extra  for  attending  the  new  Sun- 
day school  room. — On  May  2,  1842,  Mr.  Dieter  resigned, 
and  Jacob  Lott  Avas  appointed  in  his  place.  The  salary 
was  increased  to  $25  per  year,  and  the  former  rates  for 
digging  graves  contiuued.  In  addition  to  the  former  du- 
ties the  sexton  was  reepiireel  to  put  the  coal  into  the  cellar 
and  to  heat  the  church  for  funerals.  Mr.  L.  must  have 
been  a  man  of  improper  habits,  for  at  his  appointment  the 
consistory  informed  him  that  he  "must  keep  sober."  On 
Feb.  1,  1844,  he  was  re-elected  upon  the  condition  that 
"  if  he  be  caught  in  a  state  of  intoxication,  or  using  ardent 
spirits  on  the  graveyard  or  in  the  church,  he  shall  immc- 
15 


218  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

diately  forfeit  his  station."  A  committee  was  appointed 
to  inform  him  of  this  action  and  to  admonish  him.  The 
admonition  produced  good  results.  In  1845  Mr.  Lott 
had  opposition,  but  he  was  re-elected,  and  his  salary  was 
increased  to  $40  per  year.  It  was  made  his  duty  "  to  dust 
the  pulpit  and  pews  in  the  church  and  lecture  room  after 
each  sweeping."  On  this  occasion  the  sexton  was  once 
more  put  upon  his  good  behavior  under  penalty  of  imme- 
diate discharge.  Mr.  Lott  continued  to  serve  until  the 
spring  of  1855.  The  technical  term  of  gravedigger  (Tod- 
teugriiber)  was  at  this  time  discontinued,  and  afterward 
this  officer  was  known  as  the  sexton, — On  May  7,  1  Soo, 
Mr.  John  Geily  was  again  elected  sexton.  For  his  servi- 
ces he  received  $60  per  year  and  the  grass  on  the  grave- 
yard. Among  his  duties  were  the  ringing  of  the  bells, 
pumping  the  organ  bellows,  attending  the  stoves,  etc.  Mr. 
Michael  Reifsnyder,  who  had  been  serving  as  assistant 
sexton,  was  continued  in  this  position  at  $50  per  year.  He 
was  required  to  light  the  '*gass"  and  clean  the  church. 
Mr.  Geily  died  on  Jan.  17,  1863,  aged  66  years,  2  months 
and  29  days.- — The  next  sexton  was  Henry  Schaeifer,  who 
served  about  two  years,  until  the  close  of  the  year  1864. — 
Samuel  Steele  was  elected  to  succeed  Mr.  Schaeifer,  with  a 
salary  of  $200  yer  year.  Mr.  Steele  resigned  on  April  1, 
1868.— On  April  11,  1868,  Mr.  Gideon  Knabb  was  elected 
sexton  and  filled  the  position  until  St.  Paul's  church  had 
been  erected,  when  he  resigned  and  was  elected  sexton  of 
the  latter  church. — The  next  official  was  Samuel  Zerr,  who 
served  until  the  beginning  of  1803,  when  Mr.  Amos  Boone 
was  elected,  and  continues  in  the  ])osition  at  the  present 
time. 


FIRST   CHURCH.  219 

Parsonage.  —  During  a  long  time  the  cougregatiou 
owned  a  parsonage,  but  we  have  been  unable  to  ascertain 
its  location  or  what  disposition  was  made  of  it.  There  are 
a  number  of  statements  in  the  minutes  of  the  consistory 
which  clearly  prove  the  existence  of  a  parsonage.  On 
Jan.  8,  1787,  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  J.  W.  Ingold, 
the  consistory  elected  Jacob  Wiuey  as  treasurer,  and  in 
defining  his  duties  it  was  directed  that  "-all  monies  con- 
tributed for  the  remaining  debt  on  the  congregation's  par- 
sonage shall  be  paid  to  him."  The  record  states  that  on 
May  11,  1793,  nine  shillings  was  received  for  rent  of  the 
parsonage.  This  was  while  the  congregation  was  without 
a  pastor,  and  clearly  indicates  a  parsonage.  On  July  28, 
1818,  the  consistory  resolved  "to  erect  a  new  brick  stable 
near  the  parsonage."  It  was  to  be  erected  "  on  the  corner 
of  the  alley,"  but  what  alley?  The  members  of  the  con- 
sistory agreed  to  meet  on  the  ground  on  August  8,  1818, 
at  7  a.  m.,  to  demolish  the  old  stable.  The  new  stable 
cost  $287.73.  Some  of  the  receipts  for  work  done  at  the 
new  stable  contain  singular  statements.  Among  some  of 
the  people  the  Reformed  were  known  as  Presbyterians. 
George  Sider  rendered  a  bill  "  for  two  days'  work  at  the 
Presbyterian  stable."  What  became  of  the  property  is 
as  much  a  mystery  as  its  location.  The  most  diligent 
search  in  the  County  Recorder's  office  furnished  no  infor- 
mation. In  former  times  many  deeds  were  not  recorded, 
and  likely  the  mystery  is  due  to  this  fact.  AVe  assume 
that  the  parsonage  was  sold  in  the  early  part  of  the  nine- 
teenth century,  because  Rev.  William  Pauli  resided  in  his 
own  house,  and  all  the  subseqent  pastors  resided  in  rented 
houses  until  1875,  when  the  present   parsonage  adjoining 


220  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

the  church  was  erected.  There  is  uo  evidence  of  any 
house  ever  having  stood  on  the  church  ground. 

Bequests  —In  1779  the  congregation  received  its  first 
recorded  bequest.  This  was  25  pounds  from  Paul  Kor- 
per.  The  name  Korper  frequently  occurs  in  the  early 
history.  The  second  baptism  recorded  in  the  first  church 
book  was  that  of  a  son  of  Julius  Korper. 

On  November  23,  1780,  the  congregation  received  fifty 
pounds  from  the  will  of  Frantz  Wen  rich  for  the  benefit  of 
the  school  house. 

On  July  9,  1803,  the  congregation  received  75  pounds, 
7  shillings  and  9  pence  as  a  bequest  from  Melchior  Meyer. 
The  interest  from  this  money  was  to  be  used  for  the 
schooling  of  poor  children.  The  record  shows  frequently 
that  the  schoolmaster  was  paid  various  sums  from  this 
source  for  instructing  poor  children.  He  was  paid  $4.00 
per  year  for  each  child  of  this  class. 

In  1828  Catherine  Ruth  be(|ueathed  the  sum  of  $133.- 
33  to  the  congregation.  The  record  states  that  in  1813 
this  lady  presented  the  church  with  a  new  chandelier  for 
which  she  had  paid  $80. 

What  became  of  the  above  several  bequests  cannot  be 
stated.  Presumably  they  were  used  for  the  expenses  of 
the  congregation. 

In  1891  the  congregation  received  a  legacy  of  $300 
from  Mrs.  Catherine  Laucks,  a  well-known  member.  This 
legacy  was  used  as  a  nucleus  for  an  endowment.  The 
sum  of  $200  was  later  added  to  it  from  the  treasury  of 
the  congregation,  making  it  $500.  This  sum  is  now  in- 
vested, and  only  the  interest  used  for  current  expenses. 

In  1905  Mr.  Moses  Graeff  in  his  will  gave  the  con- 
gregation the  sum  of  $200. 


SECTION  II. 

SECOND  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

The  history  of  the  Second  Reformed  churcli  is  for  a 
Dumber  of  years  iuterwoveu  with  the  history  of  the  First 
church.  The  daughter  had  to  pass  through  a  long  and 
severe  struggle  for  existence,  which  the  people  of  the  pres- 
ent generation  cannot  fully  appreciate.  The  struggle  was 
not  only  long,  but  very  severe.  The  little  flock  labored 
faithfully  and  heroically.  Their  experience  reflects  the 
greatest  credit  upon  them  for  fidelity  to  purpose  and  for 
their  spirit  of  sacrifice.  Such  devotion  is  not  often 
equalled,  and  seldom  excelled. 

The  primary  motive  for  the  organization  of  the  Second 
church  was  the  desire  for  an  English  congregation.  (It 
was  not  the  large  size  of  the  First  congregation,  as  the 
membership  in  1848,  the  year  of  the  organization  of  the 
Second  church,  was  only  425.)  Until  1842  the  German 
language  had  been  used  exclusively,  with  the  result  that  a 
considerable  number  of  the  best  families  left  the  then 
only  Reformed  church  and  united  with  other  denomina- 
tions.    The  loss  from  this  source  was  considerable. 

At  the  close  of  Rev.  William  Pauli's  pastorate  of  the 
First  church  the  consistory  called  an  election  for  February 
5,  1842,  to  elect  a  successor  who  could  preach  in  both 
languages,  and  who  was  to  conduct  two  services  each  Sun- 
day, one  in  each  language.  Dr.  J.  C.  Bucher  was  called, 
and  he  at  once  commenced  English   services.     This   was 


222  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

considered  an  innovation,  and  there  was  considerable  op- 
position to  it  for  some  time.  Some  claimed  that  evening 
services  were  only  a  scheme  to  bring  the  young  people 
together.  There  existed  a  strong  tendency  toward  the 
English  language  in  nearly  all  the  churches,  but  many  of 
the  people  clung  tenaciously  to  the  mother  tongue,  and 
they  could  not  see  why  everybody  should  not  be  satisfied 
with  the  old  ways.  The  new  arrangement  of  services  in 
both  languages,  introduced  in  1842,  was  continued  until 
September,  1881,  when  during  the  pastorate  of  Dr.  H. 
Mosser  the  German  language  was  dropped,  and  since  then 
all  the  services  have  been  conducted  in  English. 

For  some  years  after  the  introduction  of  English  ser- 
vices matters  moved  along  pretty  smoothly.  But  in  the 
course  of  time  the  tendency  toward  the  English  language 
increased,  and  the  arrangement  was  no  longer  satisfactory. 
The  German  services  were  held  in  the  morning,  and 
many  of  the  English  members  had  either  to  remain  at 
home  in  the  morning  or  go  to  other  churches.  Gradually 
a  sentiment  developed  for  an  exclusively  English  congre- 
gation. 

On  the  afternoon  of  April  24,  1848,  the  initial  steps 
for  the  organization  of  a  second  Reformed  church  were 
taken  by  the  consistory  of  the  First  church.  The  follow- 
ing preamble,  reciting  reasons  for  such  a  step,  and  resolu- 
tions were  adopted  : 

AVhereas,  by  the  blessing  of  God  upon  us  as  a 
church,  our  congregation  has  so  increased  as  to  be  well 
filled  up,  and  as  it  has  become  manifestly  necessary  that 
English  preaching  be  had  twice  every  Sabbath  for  many, 
now  in  the  church,  who  cannot  read  nor  understand  the 
German  language  properly  ;  and  whereas  we  are  confident 


SECOND   CHURCH.  223 

that  a  wider  iDfliience  can  be  exerted  for  good  over  the 
community  of  this  city  and  vicinity,  by  our  branching  out, 
and  the  extension  of  our  Church  and  the  diffusion  of  the 
Heidelberg  Catechism  ;  and  as  we  feel  it  to  be  our  duty  to 
give  our  influence  and  sanction  to  the  making  of  such 
provisions  as  will  accommodate  the  spiritual  wants  of  all 
our  children  and  posterity  ;  therefore 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  consistory  will  by  their  influ- 
ence and  counsel  sanction  the  organization  of  a  second 
German  Reformed  church  in  this  city,  to  have  its  worship 
and  exercises  altogether  in  the  English  language  for  the 
benefit  of  all  who  cannot  be  instructed  and  edified  in  the 
German  language. 

2.  That  our  pastor  have  permission  to  organize  and 
instal  the  officers  of  said  second  church  as  soon  as  said 
officers  can  be  elected  by  the  persons  who  desire  to  unite 
with  said  church. 

3.  That  we  will  grant  regular  dismissions,  on  due 
application,  to  all  such  as  prefer  all  English  preaching 
and  desire  to  go  with  the  second  church. 

4.  Believing  that  two  German  Reformed  churches  can 
be  soon  filled  up  in  this  city,  and  that  the  interests  of 
religion  require  it,  therefore  resolved  that  we  still  continue 
English  preaching  together  with  the  German  in  the  First 
church. 

5.  That  all  those  members  of  the  second  church  who 
are  and  shall  be  in  regular  and  good  standing,  and  shall 
contribute  annually,  and  pay  their  contributions  according 
to  the  existing  by-laws  and  regulations  of  this  consistory, 
shall  have  the  burial  rights  on  our  graveyard. 

6.  That  in  case  our  brethren,  who  desire  a  second 
church,  shall,  on  consideration,  prefer  the  following  ar- 
rangement, we  will,  on  their  giving  us  notice,  immediately 
make  efforts  to  carry  it  out,  viz  : 

Resolved  1.  That  arrangements  be  made  as  soon  as 
possible  to  have  our  church  edifice  remodeled,  and  made 
to  accommodate  families  and  persons  who  may  desire  it 


224  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

with  pews,  aud  to  have  two  English  sermons  every  Sab- 
bath day  ;  one  every  other  Sabbath  morning  aud  after- 
uoou  alternately,  and  one  every  Sabbath  night. 

The  members  who  were  in  favor  of  an  English  con- 
gregation  did  not  accept  the  latter  proposition,  and  notli- 
ing  came  of  it.  The  remodeling  of  the  old  church  was 
delayed  until  1849. 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  consistory  on  July  9, 1848, 
the  following  25  members  were  regularly  dismissed  for 
the  purpose  of  organizing  the  "Second  German  Reformed 
Church  of  Reading"  :  Ivins  Benson,  John  Ermeutrout, 
A.  F.  Boas,  Andrew  S.  Rhoads,  John  Hartraan,  B.  Diss- 
ler,  William  Ermentrout,  Edward  H.  Zieber,  George  B. 
Snyder,  Philip  Derringeu,  Franklin  Beidler,  Henry  A. 
Lantz,  Charles  Fisher,  Mrs.  Ivins  Benson,  Mrs.  J.  L. 
Derringen,  Mrs.  A.  F.  Boas,  Mrs.  Rebecca  Andrews,  Miss 
Anna  L.  Zieber,  Elenora  Lsize,  Cath.  Helfenstein,  Re- 
becca Lantz,  Leonora  Derringen,  Seraph iue  Derringer, 
Mary  M.  Smith  aud  Susan  B.  Goodhart.  All  these  have 
gone  to  their  reward. 

These  persons,  together  with  five  others  who  had  not 
been  members  of  the  First  church  (names  not  on  record), 
in  all  thirty  souls,  presented  themselves,  and  Dr.  Bucher 
proceeded  to  organize  them  as  the  Second  Reformed 
church.  Two  elders  and  four  deacons  were  elected,  and 
Dr.  Bucher  installed  them  into  office.  These  officers 
were  :  Elders,  John  Ermentrout  and  Ivins  Benson  ;  dea- 
cons, Benneville  Dissler,  A.  F.  Boas,  John  Ilartman  and 
Andrew  S.  Rhoads.  (It  is  claimed  that  Mrs.  Allen  Rit- 
ter,  who  died  in  Reading  on  March  8,  1905,  aged  80 
years,  had  been  a  charter  member.     Her  name  does   not 


SECOND   CHURCH.  225 

appear  amoug  tlie  twenty-fiv'e  persons  dismissed  by  the 
First  church  ou  July  9,  1848,  but  she  may  have  beeu  oue 
of  the  five  others  mentioned  above,  whose  names  are  not 
on  record.  She  was  a  daughter  of  William  Ermentrout, 
one  of  the  charter  members,  and  a  sister  of  Judge  Jas.  N. 
Ermentrout.) 

This  was  the  last  important  official  work  of  Dr. 
Bucher  in  Reading,  for  he  presented  his  resignation  as 
pastor  of  the  First  church  on  July  27,  1848.  He  was  led 
to  take  this  step  by  impaired  health.  By  his  withdrawal 
the  infant  Second  church  lost  a  warm  friend.  He  realized 
the  necessity  of  a  second  congregation,  and  advocated  its 
organization.  The  new  congregation  felt  the  resignation 
of  Dr.  Bucher  keenly.  After  his  withdrawal  from  the 
First  church  a  great  change  took  place  in  the  attitude  of 
the  consistory  of  the  mother  church.  A  historian  says  : 
"  Very  soon  the  consistory  of  the  mother  church  began  to 
rue  the  promise  they  had  made  to  help  their  own  children." 

Xow  the  child  was  born,  and  its  struggle  for  life  com- 
menced. Thirty  members  was  not  a  large  number  to 
maintain  a  congregation  and  erect  a  church.  The  infant 
flock  naturally  looked  to  the  mother  church  for  aid,  as  a 
daughter  expects  the  customary  "Aussteuer"  upon  leaving 
home  to  establish  a  family  of  her  own.  And  the  mother 
at  first  appeared  to  be  willing  to  help  the  daughter,  but 
the  expectations  of  the  daughter  were  never  fully  realized. 

The  first  pastor  of  the  new  flock  was  Rev.  Dr.  Thos. 
C.  Porter.  He  was  then  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  As  a  place  of  worship  the  old  Academy  on  the 
corner  of  Fourth  and  Court  streets,  the  site  of  which  is 
now  occupied  by  the  splendid  Girls'    High  School,   was 


226 


HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 


secured.  Here  Rev.  Dr.  Porter  conducted  English  ser- 
vices  twice  a  Sunday.  As  the  congregation  was  unable  to 
pay  him  a  sufficient  salary,  Dr.  Porter  accepted  a  posi- 
tion as  teacher  of  Classics  in  a  private  school  conducted 
by  Mr.  Post,  a  New  Euglander.    Dr.  Porter  was  required 


READING  ACADEMY. 


to  spend  from  four  to  six  hours  per  day  in  drilling  boys 
in  the  rudiments  of  Latin  and  Greek.  Under  these  cir- 
cumstances there  was  little  time  left  the  pastor  beyond 
preparing  two  sermons  per  week.  He  could  perform  lit- 
tle pastoral  and  missionary  work,  which  is  so  essential  in 
a  new  congregation. 


SECOND   CJIURCH.  227 

In  the  fall  of  1848  Lebanon  Classis  received  Dr. 
Porter  from  the  Old  School  Presbytery  of  Huntingdon, 
and  appointed  a  committee  to  instal  him  as  pastor  of  the 
Second  Reformed  church  of  Reading.  The  installation 
took  place  in  the  First  church  on  November  14,  1848. 
Rev.  Joseph  F.  Mesich  preached  the  sermon,  and  Dr. 
Nathan  A.  Keyes  asked  the  questions.  The  other  mem- 
ber of  the  committee  was  Rev.  Chas.  W.  Schultz.  The 
now  fully  equipped  pastor  continued  the  work,  but  the 
prospects  were  not  promising.  Whilst  the  members  were 
among  the  most  worthy  people  of  the  town,  they  were 
unable  to  erect  a  church. 

On  Jan.  8,  1849,  the  Second  congregation  asked  per- 
mission to  hold  their  services  every  Sunday  afternoon  in 
the  First  church,  and  the  consistory  granted  the  request, 
but  it  was  stipulated  that  all  the  collections  taken  at  the 
services  of  the  Second  congregation  should  flow  into  the 
treasury  of  the  First  church.  The  Second  congregation, 
therefore,  transferrsd  its  place  of  worship  from  the  Acade- 
my to  the  First  church. 

In  the  spring  of  1849  the  professorship  of  Natural 
Sciences  in  Marshall  College  at  Mercersburg  was  oifered 
Dr.  Porter,  and  upon  careful  consideration  it  was  thought 
advisable  for  him  to  accept  the  position.  He,  therefore, 
resigned  on  May  1,  1849,  and  left  Reading.  The  small 
infant  flock  was  now  without  a  pastor,  and  the  outlook 
was  gloomy,  but  the  people  were  still  hopeful. 

Dr.  Porter  was  born  in  Huntingdon  county,  Pa.,  on 
Jan.  22,  1822.  He  was  a  graduate  of  Lafayette  College 
of  the  class  of  1840,  and  of  Princeton  Seminary.  He 
served  a  mission  field  in  Georgia,  when  he  was  called  to 


228  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Reading.  After  laboring  here  about  one  year  he  filled  a 
])rofessorship  iu  Marshall  College,  and  afterward  in  Frank- 
lin and  Marshall  College  until  186G.  At  this  time  he 
accepted  the  professorship  of  Botany  and  Zoology  in  La- 
fayette College,  and  continued  as  such  until  1896,  when 
he  retired.  During  his  connection  with  Lafayette  College 
he  was  also  during  seven  years  pastor  of  the  First  Re- 
formed church  at  Easton.  He  died  on  April  27,  190L 
He  was  a  first-class  teacher  and  widely  known. 

The  record  of  the  Second  church  states  that  when  that 
flock  was  organized,  it  was  understood  that  in  case  it  was 
found  that  the  movement  for  a  second  congregation  was 
premature,  the  English  members  would  cheerfully  be  re- 
ceived back  into  the  mother  church.  During  the  vacancy 
iu  the  pastorate  the  erection  of  a  church  was  agitated,  but 
both  congregations  considered  this  inadvisable  at  the  time. 
Instead  it  was  thought  best  for  the  English  people  to  aid 
in  repairing  the  First  church,  which  was  done.  We  infer 
that  the  Second  congregation  discontinued  holding  sep- 
arate services,  but  they  continued  their  organization. 

In  view  of  the  aid  given  by  the  English  people  toward 
the  repairs  of  the  church  which  were  then  iu  progress,  the 
consistory  of  the  First  church  on  Xov.  12,  1849,  adopted 
this  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  consistory  of  this  church  is  will- 
ing to  devote  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  the  cemetery  to 
the  building  of  a  new  church  for  the  English  portion  of 
the  congregation,  and  that  all  efforts  will  be  made  on  the 
part  of  the  consistory  of  this  church  to  accomplish  this 
object. 

The  cemetery  referred  to  was  that  part  of  the  property 
located   at   the   southeast   corner   of  Sixth   and   Walnut 


SECOND   CHURCH.  229 

streets,  180  feet  on  Sixth  street  by  230  feet  iu  depth  to 
Reed  street.  The  property  was  sold  for  $4500,  but  the 
Second  cougregation  did  not  receive  the  money.  (For 
particulars  see  below  ;  also  page  125  of  this  volume.)  The 
result  was  great  embarrassment  to  the  Second  congrega- 
tion at  a  later  period,  when  it  erected  a  church  aud  the 
promised  aid  from  this  source  was  not  received. 

At  a  joint  meeting  of  the  two  consistories  on  March  1 1 , 
1850,  the  consistory  of  the  Second  church  proposed  to  call 
a  pastor.  The  consistory  of  the  First  church  agreed  to 
this  proposition.  At  a  subsequent  meeting,  on  July  11, 
1850,  the  First  cousistory  pledged  itself  and  the  First 
church  to  contribute  $250  toward  the  support  of  a  pastor 
for  one  year.  At  the  same  time  the  First  church  con- 
sistory advised  the  calling  of  Rev.  Moses  KieflFer  as  pastor 
of  the  Second  church.  This  advice  was  accepted,  and  Mr. 
Ivieifer  was  at  once  called.  He  accepted  and  entered  upon 
the  work  in  the  following  mouth,  August,  1850.  He  was 
promised  $400  per  year  and  house  rent.  During  the  first 
year  the  First  church  paid  $250  additional,  so  that  his 
salary  M'as  $650  and  the  use  of  a  house. 

In  October  of  1850  a  committee  was  appointed  to  se- 
lect a  site  for  the  proposed  church,  consisting  of  Philip 
Zieber  and  Jacob  Goodhart  of  the  First  church,  and  John 
Ermentrout  and  A.  F.  Boas  of  the  Second  church.  This 
committee  recommendtd  the  purchase  of  the  two  lots  on 
South  Sixth  street,  below  Cherry,  upon  which  the  church 
was  subsequently  erected.  Strenuous  efforts  were  made 
by  some  to  induce  the  consistories  to  purchase  a  cheaper 
site  on  South  Sixth  street,  nearly  opposite  Kerper's  tan- 
nery, above  Chestnut  street.     A  resolution  was  adopted  to 


230  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

])urchase  the  latter  property,  but  later  rescinded.  The 
committee,  together  with  the  trustees,  M'ere  then  instructed 
to  purchase  the  first-named  site,  which  was  done.  The 
property  consisted  of  two  lots.  One,  30  by  230  feet,  was 
purchased  from  Mr.  John  H.  Xagel  for  $2100,  and  the 
other,  30  by  230  feet,  was  purchased  from  Rev.  William 
Pauli  for  $2300,  total  $4400.  There  were  two  dwellings 
on  the  former  lot,  and  three  on  the  latter.  However  some 
difficulties  arose,  and  the  consistory  of  the  First  church 
refused  to  take  the  properties.  The  owners  claimed  dam- 
ages, and  Mr.  Nagel  was  paid  $125  and  Mr.  Pauli  $135. 
Meanwhile  the  committee  of  the  Second  church  in  an  effort 
to  secure  a  site  also  had  to  pay  a  forfeit  of  $100,  so  that  in 
these  transactions  $360  was  lost. 

Subsequently  the  Second  congregation  alone  undertook 
to  purchase  the  property  in  (juestiou.  On  April  21,  1851, 
the  consistory  was  informed  that  Eev.  Mr.  Pauli  would 
sell  his  property  for  $2300,  and  that  Mr.  Nagel  would  sell 
his  property  for  S2200.  The  consistory  purchased  the 
two  ])roperties  at  these  figures,  $4500.  Mr.  Pauli  was 
paid  $200  and  Mr.  Nagel  $700  on  account,  and  mortgages 
were  given  for  the  balance.  In  the  early  part  of  June  the 
two  small  houses  fronting  on  Sixth  street  were  demol- 
ished and  a  new  dwelling  erected  on  Plum  street,  for  which 
tlie  old  material  was  used.  There  were  now  four  houses 
in  the  rear  on  the  property,  fronting  on  Plum  street.  The 
income  from  these  houses  was  a  great  help  to  the  congre- 
gation. Three  of  them  rented  at  $50  per  year,  and  the 
fourth,  a  frame  building,  at  $48  per  year — a  total  of  $198 
per  year.  A  debt  of  $3(500  rested  uj)ou  the  property,  and 
the  income  from  the  houses  was  used  to  pay  the  interest. 


SECOND   CHURCH.  231 

On  May  11,  1851,  Rev.  Moses  Kieffer  was  unanimous- 
ly elected  pastor  by  the  Second  congregation.  This  sounds 
strangely.      He  had  been  laboring   here  since  August  of 

1850,  but  by  appointment  of  the  two  consistories,  and  the 
First  church  paid  a  portion  of  his  salary.  In  the  call  now 
given  him  he  was  promised  a  salary  of  $400  per  year.  He 
accepted  the  call,  which  was  confirmed  by  Lebanon  Clas- 
sis.  That  body  appointed  a  committee  to  instal  him. 
The  congregation  paid  |7.50  for  horse  hire,  etc.,  in  con- 
nection with  the  installation,  which  took  place  in  the 
First  church.  That  was  before  the  building  of  the  Leb- 
anon Valley  railroad. 

Steps  were  now  taken  for  the  erection  of  the  church. 
This  was  an  absolute  necessity  for  the  prosperity  of  the 
congregation.  A  considerable  sum  of  money  was  sub- 
scribed. This  sum  and  the  expected  proceeds  from  the 
sale  of  the  cemetery  ground  of  the  First  church,  which 
was  estimated  at  $4500,  justified  the  step.     On  June  9, 

1851,  Rev.  M.  Kieffer,  John  Ermentrout  and  Philip  Zie- 
ber,  a  committee  previously  appointed  for  the  purpose, 
reported  that  a  church,  50  by  80  feet,  of  the  style  as  con- 
templated, would  cost  $7000.  Without  completing  the 
audience  chamber  the  cost  would  be  $5000.  On  July  21 
Mr.  J.  V.  Craig's  plan  for  the  church  was  adopted,  and 
estimates  M'ere  invited.  On  July  29  three  offers  for  the 
erection  of  the  church  were  made :  Mr.  Craig,  $8250 ; 
Mr.  Wells,  $7206.75  ;  Mr.  Seip,  $0000.  The  whole  mat- 
ter of  erecting  the  church  was  given  into  the  hands  of  the 
above  building  committee — Rev.  INI.  Kieffer,  John  Er- 
mentrout and  Philip  Zieber. 

A  start  had  now  been  made,  l)ut  it  was  also  the  begin- 
ning of  a  long  series  of  troubles,  which  caused  the  people 


232  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

coucerned  great  anxiety  aud  mauy  sleepless  nights.  The 
committee  entrnsted  the  erection  of  the  church  to  Mr. 
Wells.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  on  Sunday,  Sept.  14, 
1851.  It  was  soon  found  that  the  contractor  was  untrust- 
worthy, and  other  mechanics  had  to  be  employed,  to  the 
disadvantage  of  the  congregation.  The  work  of  the  erec- 
tion occupied  about  a  year  aud  a  half. 

While  the  church  was  being  erected  the  congregation 
passed  through  a  severe  trial.  The  expected  $4500  from 
the  First  church  were  not  received.  On  April  30,  1851, 
the  First  church  sold  a  part  of  the  cemetery  property  to 
James  L.  Dunn  for  $2500,  but  when  a  request  was  made 
for  the  money,  the  people  of  the  Second  church  were  met 
with  the  statement  that  the  charter  did  not  allow  money 
being  given  to  other  churches,  and  that  the  action  of  the 
First  congregation  on  Sept.  10,  1850,  had  been  illegal. 
(This  action  was  a  resolution  to  sell  the  cemetery  and  de- 
vote the  proceeds  to  the  erection  of  the  Second  church.) 
In  May  of  1852  the  Second  church  asked  the  First  church 
to  sell  the  unused  portion  of  the  graveyard  to  the  Second 
church,  which  ottered  to  give  a  mortgage  upon  its  house 
of  worship,  but  the  proposition  was  declined  on  the  ground 
that  the  charter  was  in  the  way.  The  other  part  of  the 
cemetery  was  sold  in  1854  for  §2000,  but  none  of  the 
money  was  ever  paid  to  the  Second  church.  The  result 
was  great  financial  embarrassment  for  the  Second  congre- 
gation. The  main  source  of  revenue  had  failed.  What 
was  to  be  done  ?  The  outlook  was  anything  but  promis- 
ing and  hopefuh 

The  pastor  and  some  of  the  members  of  the  Second 
church  appealed  not  only  to  the  consistory,  but  also  to  the 


REV.T.CPORTER  D.D. 


REV.M.KiEFF£R   P.P.  | 


jREV.RW.MILLER  D.D.     \  ;       .J'  REV.51BRIDENBAIISHDC| 

REY.C.FM9CAULEYDJ). 


PASTORS    OF    SKCOM)    CHURCH. 


SECOND    CHURCH.  233 

pastor  of  the  First  church  to  redeem  the  promise  of  aid 
made  by  the  latter  body.  The  consistory  of  the  First 
church  sought  to  relieve  its  pastor  by  the  adoption  of  a 
resolution  recpiesting  the  pastor  and  members  of  the  Sec- 
ond church  not  to  annoy  the  pastor  of  the  First  church 
by  appeals  for  aid.  Ifauy  one  bad  any  communication 
to  make,  he  was  requested  to  address  the  consistory.  In 
May  of  1852  the  Second  congregation  made  an  effort  to 
borrow  82500  from  the  First  church  for  a  long  term  on 
first  mortgage  on  its  church,  bat  fliiled.  Every  avenue 
from  which  assistance  could  be  expected  now  appeared  to 
be  closed,  and  the  congregation  reached  the  conclusion 
that  it  would  be  useless  to  continue  the  struggle  longer. 
In  July  following  (1852)  the  Second  congregation  felt  that 
it  would  be  impossible  for  them  to  meet  their  indebted- 
ness, Avhich  at  that  time  amounted  to  over  ii^TOOO  on  lot 
and  church,  and  therefore  once  more  appealed  to  the  First 
church  for  relief.  The  Second  consistory  made  out  a  full 
and  plain  statement  of  the  condition  of  the  cou^gregatioil 
and  laid  it  before  the  First  church.  At  the  same  time 
they  offered  to  turn  all  their  property  with  its  debt  over 
to  the  First  church,  to  be  disposed  of  as  the  latter  body 
might  think  best,  upon  the  sole  condition  that  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Second  church  be  received  back  into  the  bosom 
oftlie  mother  church.  Among  the  arguments  used  in 
support  of  the  proposition  was  the  suggestion  that  the 
debt  would  not  be  a  burden  upon  the  united  congregation, 
and  that  the  plan  would  allay  all  existing  prejudices.  The 
debt  of  (he  Second  congregation  amounted  to  $7138.50, 
and  its  property,  consisting  ot  the  church  and  four  small 
houses,  was  valued  at  .$16,500.  The  proposition  was  laid 
16 


234  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

before  the  First  church  at  a  congregational  meeting  on 
August  1,  1852,  and  rejected  by  a  vote  of  60  to  17. 

The  condition  of  things  was  now  more  discouraging 
than  ever  before,  but  the  little  flock  still  held  together 
firmly.  At  this  juncture  a  tempting  offer  of  relief  came 
from  an  unexpected  source.  Ex-governor  Vroom,  of  New 
Jersey,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Marcellus  offered  to  pay  the  debt 
and  8600  a  year  toward  the  support  of  the  pastor  upon 
the  condition  that  the  congregation  transfer  its  member- 
ship to  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church.  It  has  been  repre- 
sented at  times  that  this  generous  offer  was  made  for  the 
purpose  of  proselyting,  but  such  appears  not  to  have  been 
the  case.  Although  in  dire  need  of  aid,  the  proposition, 
wliich  would  have  brought  full  financial  relief,  was  de- 
clined. This  shows  the  fidelity  of  the  people  to  the 
Church  of  their  fathers. 

Meanwhile  Dr.  Kieffer  made  another  vigorous  effort  to 
secure  subscriptions  for  the  new  church,  and  succeeded  in 
raising  a  considerable  sum.  Some  of  the  members  of  the 
First  church  realized  the  injustice  of  the  promise  of  their 
church  not  being  carried  out,  and  made  generous  individ- 
ual subscriptions,  and  some  aid  was  also  secured  from 
other  persons  in  the  community. 

On  Sunday,  February  6,  1853,  the  church  was  so  far 
completed  that  it  was  opened  for  worship  and  "  conse- 
crated for  divine  service  amid  many  anxious  hopes  and 
fears."  AVe  regret  that  no  particulars  of  the  services  on 
this  occasion  are  at  hand.  The  church  was  a  two-story 
building.  In  the  basement  were  two  Sunday  school 
rooms,  one  for  the  senior,  the  other  for  the  junior  depart- 
ment.    The  audience  room  on  the  second  floor   was  not 


SECOND    CHURCH.  235 

yet  finished.  The  front  was  also  unfinished.  According 
to  the  report  of  the  building  committee,  Feb.  26,  1854, 
the  cost  of  the  church  was  $9649.29.  The  lots  had  cost 
$4500.  The  sum  of  $7194.39  had  been  raised  from  sub- 
scriptions and  collections.  $900  had  been  paid  on  the 
lots  and  $585  had  been  paid  for  removing  an  old  build- 
ing, paving,  etc.  The  debt  at  this  time  appears  to  have 
been  $4454.90.  The  amount  which  had  been  expected 
from  the  First  church>  would  have  fully  covered  this. 
The  congregation  now  had  its  own  church,  but  the  pros- 
pects were  again  nearly  as  dark  as  ever.  There  was  a 
large  debt,  but  no  money  to  meet  it.  Immediately  after 
the  dedication  of  the  church  it  was  realized  that  something 
must  be  done  to  secure  money  to  meet  pressing  claims. 
On  March  9,  1853,  the  congregation  authorized  the  con- 
sistory to  issue  certificates  of  stock  to  the  amount  of  $4000. 
The  obligations  were  to  mature  at  dates  varying  from 
April  1,  1854,  to  April  1,  1861,  aggregating  with  inter- 
est, when  due,  the  sum  of  $5080.  Too  much  praise  can- 
not be  given  Dr.  Kieffer  and  his  small  flock  for  their 
eiibrts  and  self-denial  to  meet  the  obligations  as  they  ma- 
tured during  the  following  two  years.  They  were  labor- 
ing under  the  greatest  disadvantages.  The  congregation 
had  little  credit  in  the  community.  Indeed  the  general 
impi'cssion  prevailed  that  the  church  would  have  to  be 
sold  for  debt.  The  regular  income  was  small.  During 
the  year  1854  the  income  from  pew  rents  amounted  to 
only  $234.75.  In  July,  1853,  two  loans  of  $500  were 
secured  from  two  persons,  which  afforded  temporary  relief. 
When  the  church  was  erected,  the  front  was  left  in  an 
unfinished  condition.     On  Sept.  11,  1854,  it  was  resolved 


236  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

to  finish  the  front  and  to  erect  a  fence  in  front  of  the 
church.  The  city  was  divided  into  districts,  and  the 
efforts  to  secure  subscriptions  continued. 

In  August  of  1855  the  congregation  reached  another 
crisis  through  the  resignation  of  Rev.  Dr.  Moses  Kieffer, 
the  pastor.  The  Synod  of  Ohio  had  elected  him  to  a  pro- 
fessorship in  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Tiffin,  Ohio, 
and  he  felt  it  his  duty  to  accept  this  call.  He  resigned  as 
pastor  of  the  Second  church  on  August  7,  1855,  and  the 
consistory  reluctantly  accepted  his  resignation,  which  took 
eifect  October  1,  1855.  Resolutions  were  adopted  refer- 
ring to  the  faithful  and  unselfish  work  of  Dr.  Kieifer  in 
Reading  during  five  years  and  two  montiis.  The  earnest 
prayers  and  good  wishes  of  many  pious  hearts  followed 
him  as  he  left  Reading  for  his  new  field  of  labor. 

Moses  Kieflfer  was  born  on  May  5,  1814,  in  Franklin 
county.  Pa.,  as  the  sou  of  Christian  Kietier.  He  belonged 
to  an  honorable  family.  His  ancestors  came  to  this  coun- 
try about  1730  from  Zweibriicken,  Germany.  At  the  age 
of  seventeen  he  went  to  York,  Pa.,  and  commenced  his 
studies  for  the  ministry  in  the  Reformed  school  there  un- 
der Prof.  F.  A.  Ranch.  He  went  with  the  school  to  Mer- 
cersburg  in  1835,  and  became  a  member  of  the  Junior 
class  of  Marshall  College  in  1836,  and  graduated  in  1838. 
All  the  six  members  of  this  class  are  dead.  Among  them 
were  Dr.  E.  V.  Gerhart  and  Dr.  Geo.  W.  "Williard.  Mr. 
Kietfer  spent  some  time  in  the  Theological  Seminary,  and 
was  examined  and  licensed  by  the  Eastern  Synod  in  Oc- 
tober, 1830.  Soon  after  he  was  ordained  by  the  then  Sus- 
quehanna Classis  and  settled  as  pastor  of  the  Water  Street 
charge  in  Huntingdon  county.     In  1843  he  went  to  Ha- 


SECOND   CHURCH.  237 

gerstowu,  Md.,  M'liere  he  labored  seven  years  as  pastor  of 
Zion's  church.  From  there  he  came  to  Reading  in  Au- 
gust, 1850.  After  leaving  Reading  in  October,  1855,  he 
spent  thirteen  years  as  teacher  in  the  Seminary  at  Tiffin, 
and  served  also  as  President  of  Heidelberg  College.  In 
the  year  1857  the  title  of  D.  D.  was  conferred  upon  him 
by  Franklin  and  Marshall  College.  Subsequently  he 
served  for  some  time  as  pastor  of  a  Presbyterian  church 
at  Sandusky,  Ohio.  In  18(j9  he  removed  to  Chambers- 
burg,  Pa.,  and  for  some  time  served  as  supply  of  the 
Grindstone  Hill  charge.  From  1871  to  1874  he  was  pas- 
tor of  Greencastle  charge,  Pa.,  and  afterward  served  the 
Gettysburg  charge  during  about  nine  years. 

In  1 848  the  firm  of  INI.  KiefFer  tSz  Co.  w^as  formed  for 
the  management  of  the  publications  of  the  Reformed 
Church,  then  located  at  Chambersburg.  This  firm  con- 
tinued fifteen  years,  until  1863.  Although  a  member  of 
this  firm,  Dr.  Kieffer  never  took  an  active  part  in  its 
work,  but  labored  as  pastor  and  professor  during  the 
whole  term  of  its  existence.  In  the  latter  part  of  his  life, 
in  1887,  Dr.  Kiefl'er,  when  in  his  73d  year,  went  to  Sioux- 
City,  Iowa,  and  labored  there  as  a  missionary.  He  laid 
the  foundation  for  a  congregation.  But  he  was  not  al- 
lowed to  continue  long.  He  was  stricken  with  illne.«s. 
Recovering  in  part,  he  started  for  the  East.  He  stopped 
on  his  way  with  friends  at  Sandusky,  Ohio,  where  he  died 
on  Feb.  3,  1888,  aged  73  years,  8-  months  and  29  days. 
He  was  buried  at  Tiffin,  Ohio. 

After  the  withdrawal  of  Rev.  Dr.  Kieffer  the  pastor- 
ate of  the  Second  church  was  vacant  during  two  and  one- 
half  months.     The  congregation  extended    a    unanimous 


238  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

call  to  Rev.  Charles  F.  McCauley  without  having  heard 
him.  The  call  oifered  $700  salary.  At  their  earnest  so- 
licitation he  preached  for  them  on  Sunday,  Oct.  21,  1855, 
but  in  the  pulpit  expressed  his  determination  not  to  accept 
a  call.  On  the  following  day  the  consistory  made  an 
earnest  appeal  to  him  to  serve  them.  They  urged  upon 
him  the  importance  of  the  work,  whilst  frankly  admitting 
that  they  were  unable  to  oifer  him  an  adequate  support. 
Mr.  McCauley  could  not  resist  this  appeal,  and  consented 
to  accept  a  call  from  the  Second  church.  This  was  a  most 
unselfish  act,  which  reflects  the  greatest  credit  upon  him. 
He  was  pleasantly  located  at  Middletown,  Md.,  whilst 
the  work  in  Reading  involved  hard  work  and  insufficient 
support.  He  consulted  not  personal  ease,  but  rather  con- 
science as  to  what  was  duty. 

Rev.  Mr.  McCauley  entered  upon  his  pastorate  of  the 
Second  church  in  December,  1855,  and  continued  in  it 
until  November  15,  1891,  a  period  of  about  thirty-six 
years.  It  began  with  a  small  flock  of  about  one  hundred 
members,  which  was  discouraged  and  burdened  with  debt. 
In  1891  Mr.  McCauley  closed  his  long  pastorate  with 
520  members  and  without  church  debt. 

As  stated,  at  the  beginning  of  this  the  third  pastorate 
the  outlook  was  by  no  means  encouraging.  Every  mem- 
ber was  urged  to  practice  self-denial  in  order  to  sustain 
the  congregation,  and  all  did  this  cheerfully.  Seldom  did 
a  people  bring  greater  sacrifices  for  their  church.  In  July 
of  1857  Pastor  McCauley  paid  a  friendly  visit  to  his 
former  charge  at  Middletown,  Md.  The  people  there  gave 
him  a  friendly  donation  of  $330  for  the  church  at  Reading. 
This  inspired  the  people  here  anew,  so  that  they  resolved 


8ECOKD   CHURCH.  239 

to  make  an  immediate  eifort  to  pay  the  whole  debt.  How 
burdensome  the  debt  was  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact 
that  up  to  November  12,  1856,  the  sum  of  ^1098  had 
been  paid  for  interest.  A  member  of  the  First  church 
now  donated  a  claim  of  over  $100.  But  the  oificers  had 
hardly  commenced  the  work  of  soliciting  subscriptions, 
when  the  panic  of  1857  broke  out,  which  made  further 
efforts  for  the  time  being  absolutely  impossible.  Every 
nerve  had  to  be  strained  to  meet  current  expenses. 

On  January  4, 1858,  Rev.  Mr.  McCauley  submitted  his 
resignation  to  the  consistory.  He  did  this  for  two  reasons. 
He  believed  that  a  minister  speaking  both  languages 
could  be  more  successful,  and  secondly  he  found  that  the 
salary  was  insufficient  for  the  support  of  his  family.  But 
the  consistory  unanimously  declined  to  accept  the  resigna- 
tion, and  the  pastor  continued  in  the  work. 

In  the  fall  of  1859  it  became  clear  that  the  Second 
church  must  fail,  notwithstanding  all  the  sacrifices  made 
in  its  behalf,  unless  aid  from  the  outside  could  be  secured. 
With  anxious  hearts  the  people  now  as  a  last  resort  applied 
to  the  synod  for  aid.  This  body  received  their  appeal, 
considered  it  and  commended  their  cause  to  the  liberality 
of  the  Church.  The  synod  also  requested  the  First  church 
to  pay  the  promised  |2500  to  the  Second  church,  or  to 
assume  that  much  of  the  debt,  and  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  visit  the  First  church  and  urge  this  matter.  In 
the  following  year  this  committee  reported  that  it  had  at- 
tended to  its  duty,  but  without  accomplishing  anything 
substantial. 

Circulars  were  sent  to  the  pastors  and  consistories  of 
many  congregations,  but  there  was  only  one  solitary  favor- 


240  HISTORY   OF   EEFORMED   CHURCH. 

able  response,  which  came  from  Rev.  John  C.  Hensell,  of 
Mt.  Crawford,  Ya.  The  only  hope  now  left  was  a  per- 
sonal appeal  for  aid.  Pastor  jSIcCaiiley  finally  consented 
to  make  this  appeal,  althongh  it  was  repulsive  to  his  na- 
ture. On  February  16,  1860,  he  went  forth  amid  a  snow 
storm  on  a  mission,  upon  the  success  of  wliich  apparently 
depended  the  perpetuity  of  the  Second  church.  The  earnest 
prayers  of  his  people  followed  him.  He  travelled  over 
4500  miles  in  the  interest  of  this  work,  aud  met  with  suc- 
cess. He  found  many  warm  friends  who  cheered  his  heart 
with  generous  gi  fts.  The  result  of  this  effort  was  that 
without  any  expeuse  to  the  congregation  he  handed  over 
to  the  treasurer  the  large  sum  of  $3192.95.  The  effect  of 
this  Avork  upou  the  cougregation  may  easily  be  guessed. 
All  hearts  were  filled  with  joy  aud  gratitude.  Some  of 
the  members  of  the  First  church  now  also  contributed  the 
sum  of  1421.32.  It  was  now  believed  that  after  the  sale 
of  the  four  small  houses  in  the  rear  of  the  church  property 
the  balance  needed  to  pay  the  whole  debt  (|2200)  could  be 
secured.  In  Febrnarv  of  1803  Pastor  McCaulev  bcffan 
the  work  of  soliciting  subscriptions  at  home.  Instead  of 
securing  $2200,  he  in  a  short  time  raised  $3200.  In  this 
work  he  was  aided  by  Dr.  J.  C.  Biicher,  who  had  organ- 
ized the  congregation  in  1848.  The  success  of  this  effort 
enabled  the  congregation  to  retain  one  of  the  houses  on 
Plum  street,  which  has  since  then  been  occupied  by  the 
sexton.  The  whole  amount  secured  by  the  several  efforts, 
with  which  Dr.  McCauley  was  connected,  was  §7,256.27. 
The  contributions  varied  from  five  cents  to  fifty  dollars. 
The  debt  was  now  paid  aud  the  long  continued  financial 
struggle  was  ended,  to  the  great  joy  of  all  concerned.     All 


SECOND   CHURCH.  241 

tliis  time  the  church  remained  uufiuished  aud  Avithout  an 
organ.  The  purchase  of  the  organ,  the  completion  of  the 
church  and  changes  made  during  Dr.  McCauley's  pastorate 
cost  probably  as  much  as  the  original  cost  of  the  church. 

When  the  appeal  for  aid  was  made  to  the  synod  tlie 
congregation  agreed  to  give  the  synod  a  mortgage  upon  its 
church  for  the  amount  of  aid  received,  with  the  condition 
that  neither  principal  nor  interest  should  ever  become 
payable  as  long  as  the  Second  church  remained  in  connec- 
tion with  the  synod  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  the  United 
States.  This  mortgage  was  for  $2905.74,  and  was  dated 
Sept.  28,  1861.  The  synod  of  1876  directed  its  trustees 
to  cancel  the  mortgage.  The  congregation  had  more  than 
repaid  the  amount  mentioned  by  benevolent  contributions 
during  three  years  previous. 

On  April  6,  1875,  Dr.  McCauley  prepared  a  review  of 
his  ministerial  acts  to  that  date.  He  had  during  those 
nineteen  and  one-half  years  confirmed  414  persons,  receiv- 
ed by  certificate  223,  baptized  664,  buried  381,  and  mar- 
ried 205  couples.  This  indicates  great  activity  and  suc- 
cessful work  during  the  most  trying  period  of  the  church's 
history.  Of  the  original  thirty  members  the  following 
eight  were  still  active  members  at  the  above  date  :  John 
Ermentrout,  Ivins  Benson,  Rebecca  Hahs,  Seraphine  Diss- 
ler,  Anna  Louisa  Wanner,  Sarah  Benson,  Mrs.  J.  L.  Der- 
ringer aud  Mrs.  Sarah  Young. 

The  trying  ordeal  of  the  congregation  in  its  early  his- 
tory has  not  been  without  its  blessings.  The  grace  of  giv- 
ing which  was  then  cultivated,  has  never  ceased.  The  aid 
which  the  Church  at  large  extended  to  the  congregation 
in  1860,  has  proven  a  good  and  profitable  investment.  The 


242  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

congregation  lias  returned  it  many  times  with  good  inter- 
est. The  Second  church  has  since  then  always  stood  in 
the  front  rank  in  supporting  the  institutions  and  the  be- 
nevolent work  of  the  Church.  Already  in  1873  its  benev- 
olence amounted  to  $2028.60  and  in  1874  to  $1371.65. 
In  more  recent  years  it  has  been  much  larger. 

The  Second  congregation  never  had  a  church  bell.  In 
1866  the  consistory  resolved  that  the  hours  of  services 
should  be  ''  regulated  by  the  ringing  of  the  church  bells 
on  Washington  street."  This  referred  to  the  bells  of  the 
First  Reformed  and  Trinity  Lutheran  churches. 

In  October  of  1866  the  Benevolent  Society  was  organ- 
ized. Its  object  originally  was  to  secure  regular  monthly 
contributions  for  the  payment  of  the  church  debt. 

On  July  1,  1867,  the  pastor,  Dr.  McCauley,  was  given 
a  '^  furlough"  of  four  weeks.  Subsequently  he  was  given 
a  vacation. 

In  the  beginning  of  May,  1868,  Reading  was  visited 
by  a  severe  hail  storm,  which  destroyed  many  window 
panes.  On  May  10  a  committee  was  appointed  to  ascer- 
tain the  cost  of  glass  to  repair  the  damage  at  the  church. 

On  December  7,  1868,  Dr.  McCauley  handed  the  con- 
sistory 1500  which  had  been  given  him  by  Mrs.  Annie 
Printz.  The  money  was  applied  to  the  payment  of  the 
church  debt. 

In  the  spring  of  1869  the  floating  debt  had  almost 
been  paid.  On  May  10  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
collect  $65,  which  was  needed  to  make  full  payment.  On 
August  19  the  pastor  was  directed  to  state  from  the  pulpit 
that  the  debt  had  been  paid. 

In  the  fall  of  1869  a  new  shingle  roof  was  placed  upon 
the  church  at  the  cost  of  $175. 


SECOND    CHURCH.  243 

On  August  28,  1872,  the  cougregatiou  resolved  to  im- 
prove the  church  front,  frescoe  the  ceiling  of  the  audience 
room,  secure  stained  glass  windows,  and  pay  a  floating 
debt.  Later  it  was  also  resolved  to  erase  the  picture  rep- 
resenting the  crucilixion  in  the  rear  of  the  pulpit  and  re- 
place it  with  an  oil  painting  representing  the  ascension. 
These  plans  were  carried  out,  and  the  appearance  of  the 
church  thereby  greatly  improved.  The  interior  wood 
work  was  repainted  and  new  carpets  secured.  The  front 
of  the  church  was  placed  into  its  present  condition.  The 
cost  of  these  improvements  was  nearly  $3000.  The  church 
was  reopened  for  worship  on  Sunday,  Oct.  6,  1872.  Dr. 
McCauley  was  assisted  in  the  services  by  Dr.  Moses  Kief- 
fer,  the  second  pastor  of  the  congregation. 

On  March  4,  1873,  a  successful  organ  and  vocal  con- 
cert, arranged  by  Mrs.  Daniel  Erraentrout,  was  given  in 
the  church  for  the  benefit  of  the  congregation. 

On  Christmas  day  of  1873  the  congregation  received  a 
handsome  gift  in  the  form  of  a  fine  baptismal  font  from 
Mrs.  James  T.  Reber. 

Originally  the  basement  of  the  church  was  divided  into 
two  rooms  by  a  brick  wall  running  through  the  center. 
On  June  8,  1874,  the  Sunday  school  was  given  permission 
to  remove  the  wall  and  support  the  floor  above  by  iron 
pillars,  which  was  done.  The  increase  of  the  Sunday 
school  required  this  change,  which  was  made  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  school. 

The  Eastern  Synod  held  its  annual  sessions  in  the  Sec- 
ond church  in  November  of  1876.  Dr.  John  Beck  was 
president  of  the  body. 

On  Christmas  of  1877  Mrs.  Rebecca  Hahs,  one  of  the 
original  members,  presented  the  congregation  with  a  beau- 


244  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

tiful  new  pulpit  Bible.  Mrs.  Hahs  died  in  Jauuarv  of 
1885,  at  the  age  of  79  years.  In  her  will  she  directed 
that,  after  the  payment  of  all  expenses  and  certain  specific 
bequests,  the  residue  should  be  invested  for  the  benefit  of 
Rebecca  Stump,  during  her  lifetime,  and  that  after  her 
death  and  the  payment  of  iier  funeral  expenses,  the  amount 
remaining  should  be  paid  to  the  Second  Reformed  church. 
This  residue,  after  the  adjudication  of  the  estate,  was 
found  to  be  !?356. 

In  1878  a  new  sexton's  house  was  erected  at  the  cost 
of  $631.69. 

On  December  19,  1880,  the  twenty-fifth  anniversary 
of  Dr.  McCauley's  pastorate  was  celebrated.  He  preached 
a  sermon  on  Isaiah  51  :  67,  reviewed  the  history  of  the 
congregation  and  presented  the  statistics  of  his  official  acts. 
During  the  quarter  of  a  century  he  confirmed  543  persons, 
received  271  by  certificate,  baptized  899,  buried  407,  and 
married  263  couples.  The  congregation  had  increased 
from  118  members  to  470,  and  the  Sunday  school  had 
reached  a  membership  of  about  400. 

In  November  of  1881  the  pastor's  family  was  bereaved 
by  the  tragic  death  of  their  second  son,  Edwin  B.  Mc- 
Cauley.  He  had  been  spending  some  time  in  the  Rocky 
mountains  in  Wyoming  with  a  camping  party  for  the 
benefit  of  his  health.  On  November  4  the  cook  of  the 
party  mistook  some  arseuik  for  baking  powder  and  used 
it  in  preparing  food,  and  the  result  was  that  the  whole 
jmrty  was  taken  ill,  and  Mr.  McCauley  died.  His  body 
was  brought  to  Reading,  and  the  funeral  held  on  Novem- 
ber 17.  His  age  was  32  years,  1  month  and  28  days. 
Much  sympathy  was  manifested  for  the  bereaved  fiimily. 


SECOND   CHURCH.  245 

Among  the  earliest  members  of  the  Second  church 
were  Mr,  Philip  Zieber  and  wife.  During  many  years 
he  was  a  prominent  figure  on  the  streets  of  Reading.  He 
waf5  tall  and  venerable  looking,  with  a  long,  white  beard. 
On  March  24,  1884,  they  celebrated  their  sixty-first  wed- 
ding anniversary.  Both  were  then  in  their  eighty-second 
year.  They  had  eight  children,  one  of  whom  is  Rev.Wm. 
K.  Zieber,  D.  D.,  of  Hanover,  Pa.  The  couple  has  since 
died. 

In  the  spring  of  1884  an  addition  was  erected  at  the 
eastern  end  of  the  church  for  the  use  of  the  primary  de- 
partment of  the  Sunday  school,  at  a  cost  of  §600.  Size, 
28  by  40  feet.  There  were  144  seats.  The  place  was 
dedicated  on  Sunday,  August  10.  Rev.  E.  A.  Gernant 
officiated  in  the  absence  of  Dr.  McCauley. 

During  the  summer  of  1885  the  church  was  refres- 
coed,  the  interior  wood  work  and  the  exterior  of  the  front 
repainted,  and  the  church  floor  covered  with  new  carpet. 
The  church  was  reopened  on  Sunday,  October  18,  when 
Dr.  J.  S.  Stahr  preached  the  sermon.  The  organ  was 
enlarged  during  the  fall  of  the  same  year. 

Dr.  McCauley  had  labored  long  and  faithfully,  and 
the  time  came  when  he  realized  that  his  physical  strength 
was  no  longer  equal  to  the  work.  The  congregation  there- 
fore authorized  him  to  appoint  a  young  minister  to  assist 
him  in  the  work.  He  called  Licentiate  Rufus  W.  Miller, 
his  son-in-law,  to  this  position.  Mr.  Miller  was  born  on 
May  12,  1863,  at  Easton,  Pa.,  as  a  son  of  the  late  Thomas 
T.  and  Emma  M.  Miller.  His  father  was  an  active  mem- 
ber of  the  Reformed  Church  and  a  prominent  business 
man.     The  son  graduated  from   Easton   High   School  in 


246  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH; 

1879,  theu  took  a  four  years'  course  in  Lafayette  College 
and  graduated  from  it  in  1883.  He  studied  one  year  in 
Union  Seminary,  New  York,  and  two  years  in  the  Re- 
formed Seminary  at  Lancaster,  graduating  from  the  latter 
in  May,  1886.  He  spent  some  time  in  Hebrew  and  Spe- 
cial Bible  Studies  at  Chautauqua,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Miller  was 
examined  and  licensed  by  East  Pennsylvania  Classis,  at 
Bangor,  in  the  spring  of  1886.  He  was  ordained  and 
installed  as  assistant  to  the  pastor  of  the  Second  church 
on  Sept.  5,  1886.  Dr.  H.  Mosser  preached  the  sermon. 
During  the  summer  of  1887  Rev.  Mr.  Miller  made  a  tour 
to  Europe,  whilst  Rev.  S.  U.  Mitman  supplied  his  place. 
After  the  resignation  of  Dr.  McCauley  in  November, 
J  891,  Mr.  Miller  accepted  a  call  to  the  Hummelstown 
charge  on  April  1,  1892,  and  served  it  until  Dec.  31, 
1903.  During  his  pastorate  Mr.  Miller  organized  two 
Sunday  scliools  and  a  congregation  at  Penbrook,  and  the 
charge  was  divided.  The  General  Synod  at  its  meeting 
in  Reading  in  1893  created  the  office  of  General  Secretary 
of  the  Sunday  School  Board,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Miller  was 
elected  to  this  position  by  the  Board.  He  entered  upon 
the  office  on  Jan.  1,  1894,  and  continues  in  it  at  this  time. 
On  May  9,  1888,  Mr.  Miller  was  married  to  Miss  Kath- 
arine Louise,  youngest  daughter  of  the  late  Dr.  C.  F.  Mc- 
Cauley. Their  union  was  blessed  with  three  children. 
In  1902  Heidelberg  University  conferred  the  degree  of 
D.  D.  upon  Mr.  Miller. 

On  May  8,  1888,  the  first  Chapter  of  the  Brotherhood 
of  Andrew  and  Pliilip  was  organized  with  15  members  in 
the  Second  church  by  Rev.  R.  W.  Miller.  On  June  6 
and  7  of  1889  a  convention   was  held   in   the  church  to 


SECOND   CHURCH.  247 

popularize  the  Dew  society.  Addresses  were  delivered  by 
a  uumber  of  promiueut  miuisters  of  the  Church.  The 
Brotherhood  is  uow  found  in  23  denominations  of  our 
laud.  A  Canadian  Council  has  been  organized,  and  there 
are  chapters  in  Japan,  India  and  Australia. 

During  a  number  of  years  the  Sunday  school  lias  main- 
tained a  Chinese  department,  in  which  a  number  of  Chi- 
namen receive  instruction,  each  one  having  a  separate 
teacher.  JSIr.  Hop  Lee,  the  first  Chinese  laundryman  in 
Reading,  was  one  of  the  scholars.  On  June  6,  1889,  two 
Chinamen  were  confirmed  as  members  of  the  church. 

On  August  1,  1890,  the  consistory  resolved  to  erect  a 
church  on  Bingaman  street,  above  Fourth,  remove  to  it 
the  John  Ermentrout  mission  school  and  organize  a  con- 
gregation. The  corner-stone  was  laid  on  Feb.  8,  1891, 
and  the  church  was  opened  for  worship  on  June  1 1  of  the 
same  year.  The  cost  of  lot  and  church  was  about  $12,- 
000.  The  mission  school  was  now  transferred  to  the  new 
chnrch.  On  Nov.  13,  1893,  a  congregation  was  organ- 
ized by  Dr.  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh  with  54  members.  On 
account  of  a  remaining  debt  the  church  was  not  dedicated 
until  March  10,  1901.  The  members  of  the  Second 
church  contributed  the  whole  amount  for  the  erection  of 
Faith  church. 

On  Sunday,  Dec.  14,  1890,  the  thirty-fifth  anniversary 
of  Dr.  McCauley's  pastorate  was  celebrated.  In  the  morn- 
ing the  venerable  pastor  reviewed  the  history  of  the  con- 
gregation and  recounted  the  goodness  of  the  Lord.  Dur- 
ing the  35  years  Dr.  M.  baptized  1140  persons,  confirmed 
849,  received  by  certificate  and  reprofession  410,  buried 
647,  and  married  350  couples. — In  the  afternoon  a  service 


248  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

was  held,  over  which  Rev.  R.  W.  Miller  presided.  Dr. 
B.  Bailsman  spoke  with  gratitude  aud  esteem  of  his  old 
frieud  and  co-laborer,  Dr.  McCanley.  When  the  former 
was  called  to  Reading  in  18G3,  he  was  in  ill  health,  and 
it  was  feared  that  he  could  not  endure  the  strain  of  the 
work  here.  Dr.  M.  urged  him  to  accept,  and  said  :  "Read- 
ing is  as  near  heaven  as  Chambersburg,  and  if  he  dies,  I 
will  guarantee  him  a  proper  burial."  Dr.  Bausman  came 
to  Reading,  aud  the  two  became  warm  friends  and  hearty 
co-laborers.  Dr.  B.  stated  that  twice  Dr.  McCauley 
prayed  at  his  bedside  when  he  was  supposed  to  be  dying, 
aud  twice  he  prayed  at  Dr.  ^NlcCauley's  bedside  under 
similar  circumstances.  Dr.  H.  Mosser  and  Dr.  James  I. 
Good  also  delivered  addresses.  The  latter  was  at  one 
time,  a  scholar  in  the  Second  Sunday  school.  Besides 
those  mentioned.  Revs.  J.  W.  Steinmetz,  C.  S.  Gerhard, 
L.  K.  Deir,  H.  Y.  Stouer  and  J.  F.  DeLong  were  also 
present  and  took  part  in  the  interesting  celebration.  The 
church  was  filled  with  people. 

Rev.  Dr.  McCauley's  ministry  did  not  continue  much 
longer.  In  less  than  a  year  he  was  admonished  by  the 
infirmities  of  age  to  lay  down  the  work  which  he  loved  so 
much  and  in  which  he  had  been  engaged  so  long.  In 
October,  iSill,  he  submitted  his  resignation,  to  take  effect 
on  November  16.  The  resignation  was  reluctantly  ac- 
cepted. He  was  made  pastor  emeritus.  With  the  retire- 
ment of  the  pastor  the  relations  of  Rev.  R.  W.  Miller 
with  the  congregation  also  ceased.  Dr.  McCauley  preached 
his  farewell  sermon  on  Sunday,  Nov.  15,  1S91.  In  the 
evening  of  the  same  day  Rev.  Dr.  Miller  also  preached 
his  last  sermon.     Dr.   McCauley's  pastorate  in  Reading 


SECOND   CHURCH.  249 

had  continued  one  month  less  than  thirty-six  years.  Dur- 
ng  this  time  he  baptized  IICO  ]  ersons,  contiimcd  S2(), 
received  4?)0  by  letter,  buried  662,  and  married  338 
couples.  Thus  the  relatiim  which  had  existed  during 
more  than  a  generation  was  brought  to  a  close.  The  peo- 
ple greatly  regretted  to  })art  with  him  who  had  been  so 
long  their  faithful  friend  anel  spiritual  adviser. 

Dr.  McCauley's  work  on  earth  was  elone,  and  he  did 
not  need  to  wait  long  for  the  rest  for  which  he  was  long- 
ing. He  died  ou  Sunday  afternoon,  June  19,  1892,  at 
the  age  of  76  years,  5  mouths  and  14  days.  The  funeral 
took  place  on  Monday,  June  27,  and  the  services  were 
held  in  the  Second  church.  About  seventy  Reformed 
ministers  attended.  Dr.  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh  leel  in  prayer. 
Dr.  B.  Bausman  preached  the  sermon.  Dr.  J.  S.  Stahr 
and  Dr.  E.  Y.  Gerhart  followed  in  addresses.  The  church 
was  crowded.  Many  tears  were  shed,  as  people  for  the 
last  time  lookeel  upon  the  face  of  their  faithful  friend. 
The  pall-bearers  were  Revs.  G.  W.  Williard,  L.  K. 
Evans,  A.  R.  Bartholomew,  H.  Mosser,  A.  S.  Leinbach, 
J.  I.  Good,  J.  W.  Steinmetz  and  H.  Y.  Stoner.  Burial 
in  Charles  Ev^ans'  cemetery.  The  deceaseel  was  the  oldest 
minister  in  Reading,  both  in  age  and  term  of  service. 

Charles  Firey  jSIcCauley  was  born  on  Ringgold's 
]Mauor,  ten  miles  south  of  Hagerstown,  Md.,  January  5^ 
1816,  and  his  early  education  was  secured  in  a  country 
school  and  in  the  Reformeel  high  school  at  York,  Pa,, 
subseepiently  organized  as  INIarshall  College  at  INTercers- 
burg.  He  entereel  the  Sophomore  class  of  Yale  College 
iu  1835,  and  graduated  from  the  institutiou  in  1838.  He 
taught  a  family  school  for  two  years  near  Natchez,  Miss., 
17 


250  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

entered  the  theological  seminary  at  Priucetou  iu  1840  aud 
subsequently  the  theological  seminary  at  Mercersburg, 
from  which  he  graduated  in  1843.  He  was  on  the  11th 
of  June  of  that  year  ordained  by  Mercersburg  Classis  and 
installed  as  pastor  of  the  Reformed  'church  of  Mercers- 
burg, Avhich  he  served  for  two  years.  He  removed  thence 
to  Middletown,  Md.,  November  1,  1845,  from  which 
place,  after  tenjy ears'  service,  he  w^as  called  to  Reading, 
entering  upon  his  duties  on  Dec.  16,  1855. 

At  this  early  period  of  his  ministerial  work  his  un- 
selfish devotion  to  the  Master's  work  was  dearly  shown. 
The  people  of  Middletown  did  not  wish  to  let  him  go 
away.  As  an  inducement  to  remain  they  otlered  twice  as 
much  salary  as  the  people  of  Reading  could  promise.  He 
felt  that  it  was  his  duty  to  go,  and  he  refused  to  allow 
considerations  of  personal  comfort  to  interfere.  He  found 
the  Second  church  weak  and  poor,  unable  to  give  him  an 
adequate  support,  but  he  took  earnest  hold  of  the  great 
work,  and  devoted  thirty-six  years  to  it  with  unremitting 
zeal.  DuringUhis  long  ministry  in  Reading  he  has  been 
instrumental  in,l)uilding  up  the  congr^gation  to  prosper- 
our  proportions. 

In  addition  to  his  pastoral  work  he  also  served  the 
Church  on  several  boards.  In  18(>3  he  was  president  of 
the  Eastern  Synod,  and  he  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of 
Visitors  of  the'-Theological  Seminary  at  Lancaster  during 
45  years.  In  1872  he  received  the  degree  of  D.  D.  from 
Franklin  and  Marshall  College. 

On  May  2,  1844,  Dr.  McCauley  was  married  to  Miss 
Maria  Hoke,  of  Mercersburg,  Pa.  Their  union  was 
blessed  with  eight  children,  all  of  whom  grew  up.     Mrs. 


SECOND    CHURCH.  251 

McCauley  died  suddenly  of  Ik  art  failure,  at  Ca})e  May 
Point,  N.  J.,  August  13,  1879,  aged  54  years.  Edward 
B.  died,  as  stated  above,  on  November  3,  1881  ;  Clara  S. 
died  ou  January  23,  1883.  Those  children  survive: 
Capt.  C.  A.  H.  and  Henry  W.  McCauley,  Mrs.  Wm.  M. 
Fox,  Mrs.  Hattie  O.  Schnebly,  Mrs.  L.  A.  Yarrington 
and  Mrs.  R.  W.  Miller. 

On  January  4,  1892,  Dr.  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh,  of  Nor- 
ristown,  was  elected  pastor  of  the  Second  church,  as  the 
successor  of  Dr.  McCauley.  The  call  was  personally  pre- 
sented to  him  by  a  committee  consisting  of  Horatio  Jones, 
Dr.  A.  S.  Raudeubush,  B.  Frank  Ruth  and  Capt.  Jacob 
AW'idel.  Dr.  Bridenbaugh  accepted  the  call,  but  was  soon 
after  stricken  with  typhoid  fever,  and  could  not  enter 
upon  the  work  in  Reading  fully  until  July.  He  and  his 
family  moved  to  Reading  on  May  17.  Ou  the  evening  of 
May  20  a  reception  was  tendered  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Briden- 
baugh in  the  Second  church.  D.  N.  SchaefFer,  esq.,  wel- 
comed the  new  pastor,  and  referred  to  the  long  and  suc- 
cessful pastorate  of  Dr.  McCauley,  who  could  not  be  pres- 
ent on  that  occasion  on  account  of  illness.  Dr.  Briden- 
baugh responded  in  fitting  terms.  Dr.  fjausmau  ad- 
dressed the  new  |)astor  in  the  name  of  the  Reformed  min- 
istry. He  referred  to  the  beautiful  harmony  and  good 
feeling  which  always  prevailed  between  the  Reformed  pas- 
tors of  the  city,  to  which  the  extension  and  growth  of  the 
Church  is  largely  due.  The  members  and  friends  then 
came  forward  to  the  chancel  and  welcomed  the  new  pastor 
and  his  wife.  The  family  took  up  their  residence  at  lOG 
South  Fourth  street,  where  they  remained  until  the  con- 
gregation purchased  the  parsonage  at  228  South    Sixth 


252  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

street  iu  the  early  piirt  of  1896,  since  which  time  they 
reside  at  the  latter  place.  Dr.  John  C.  Bowman,  of  Lan- 
caster, supplied  the  pulpit  until  the  first  of  July,  when 
Dr.  Bridenbaugh  fully  entered  upon  the  work. 

On  Sunday,  July  3,  1892,  Dr.  Bridenbaugh  was  for- 
mally installed  as  pastor  of  the  Second  church  by  a  com- 
mittee of  Schuylkill  Classis.  Dr.  C.  S.  Gerhard  preached 
the  sermon  and  Dr.  B.  Bausmau  delivered  the  address  to 
the  people.  The  new  pastor  preached  his  introductory 
sermon  on  Sunday  following,  July  10, 1892.  The  people 
now  again  had  a  regular  pastor,  and  were  glad.  They 
were  inspired  with  new  zeal,  and  responded  nobly  to  the 
call  to  new  and  larger  work.  In  the  near  future  a  mag- 
nificent house  of  worship  was  to  be  erected,  which  required 
large  contributions.  The  spirit  of  liberality  which  had 
been  inculcated  and  developed,  furnished  the  means  for 
the  successful  prosecution  of  this  work. 

Already  in  the  early  part  of  1895  the  work  of  enlarg- 
ing and  remodeling  the  church  was  agitated.  The  church 
had  become  too  small  for  the  growing  congregation,  be- 
sides it  was  felt  that  a  more  modern  style  of  church  was 
needed.  On  May  6,  1895,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
secure  plans  for  the  enlargement  and  remodeling  of  the 
church.  The  committee  consisted  of  W.  T.  Hain,  J.  E. 
Bubp  and  W.  Van  Reed.  At  this  time  the  intention  was 
to  extend  the  church  at  the  eastei'u  end  and  remodel  it 
throughout.  In  June  following  the  congregation  adopted 
a  plan  which  provided  for  the  lengthening  of  the  church, 
changing  the  front  and  the  ceiling,  and  the  transfer  of  the 
organ  from  the  gallery  to  the  side  of  the  pulpit.  The 
estimated  cost  was  $15,000.     As  in  many  other  instances 


SECOND    CHURCH.  253 

of  this  kind,  this  was  only  a  small  begiuuing  of  the  work. 
The  plans  grew  more  elaborate  as  the  work  was  being 
considered,  and  instead  of  $15,000,  the  sum  of  $62,000 
was  expended  upon  the  erection  of  a  beautiful  church,  and 
the  best  part  is  that  all  has  been  paid. 

The  congregation  never  owned  a  parsonage  until  1896. 
In  the  early  history  of  the  congregation  the  pastors  resided 
in  rented  houses.  During  the  early  part  of  his  pastorate 
Dr.  McCauley  resided  at  these  places  :  From  December, 
1855,  to  April,  1857,  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Third 
and  Washington  streets  ;  from  April,  1857,  to  April,  1858, 
on  the  west  side  of  South  Eighth  street,  near  Chestnut ; 
from  April,  1858,  to  the  spring  of  1859  at  122  South 
Ninth  street.  In  1858  Mr.  Adam  Hoke,  of  Mercersburg, 
fjither  of  Mrs.  McCauley,  purchased  the  lot  at  141  North 
Sixth  street,  and  erected  the  present  three-story  house 
upon  it,  and  here  the  McCauley  fomily  resided  from  the 
spring  of  1859  until  after  the  death  of  the  venerable 
pastor. 

In  January  of  1896  the  congregation  purchased  the 
three-story  house  at  228  South  Sixth  street  for  the  sum  of 
$4000,  and  improved  it.  Dr.  Bridenbaugh  and  family 
took  possession  of  it  in  April  following,  and  now  reside 
there.  Hon.  Geo.  F.  Baer,  a  member  of  the  congrega- 
lion,  contributed  $500  and  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society  gave 
$500  toward  the  purchase  of  this  parsonage. 

In  place  of  the  plan  for  remodeling  adopted  in  June 
of  1895,  it  was  finally  resolved  to  demolish  the  old 
church,  excepting  the  front  and  vestibule.  On  March  2, 
1896,  the  contract  for  the  rebuilding  of  the  church  was 
awarded  to  Geo.  W.  Beard  c^^  Co.  for  $20,000.     This  did 


254  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

uot  include  excavating,  fouudatiou  walls,  windows  and 
furniture.  The  total  cost  was  at  this  time  estimated  at 
$30 — 35,000.     But  this  was  far  below  the  actual  cost. 

The  last  service  in  the  old  church  was  held  on  Sunday, 
April  12,  1896.  There  was  a  large  attendance.  In  the 
morning  the  sermon  was  preached  by  Dr.  T.  C.  Porter, 
the  first  pastor.  Hon.  Geo.  F.  Baer  in  an  address  re- 
viewed the  history  of  the  congregation.  In  the  evening 
addresses  were  delivered  by  Drs.  John  C.  Bowman  and 
R.  ^y.  Miller.  During  the  day  nearly  SI 5,000  was  sub- 
scribed toward  the  erection  of  the  new  church.  At  this 
time  there  wore  still  four  of  the  original  members  of  the 
congregation  living — David  Ermentrout,  Mrs.  S.  S.  Diss- 
ler,  Mrs.  Ellen  Ritter  and  Mrs.  J.  H.  Hain,  The  work 
of  demolishing  the  old  church  was  soon  after  commenced. 
During  the  work  of  erecting  the  new  church  the  congre- 
gation and  Sunday  school  worshiped  in  the  old  Baptist 
ciiurch  on  Chestnut  street,  above  Fourth. 

One  of  the  best  known  members  of  the  Second  church 
was  Mr.  Samuel  Bohler,  an  organ  Iniilder  of  extended 
reputation.  He  had  erected  many  church  organs  in  east- 
ern Pennsylvania.  He  died  on  August  1,  1896,  aged  73 
years.     He  was  a  native  of  Berne,  Switzerland. 

On  Sunday,  January  17,  1897,  the  basement  of  the 
new  church  was  so  far  completed  that  the  congregation 
could  hold  its  first  service  in  it,  and  continued  to  do  so 
about  a  year  until  the  audience  room  had  been  completed. 

On  Sunday,  February  20,  1898,  the  completed  church 
was  opened  for  worship.  The  dedication  was  postponed 
until  a  later  date,  v/hen  the  debt  had  been  })aid  (Nov.  25, 
1900).     The  opening  of  this  magnificent  house  of  worship 


SECOND    CHURCH.  ^5;6 

marked  an  epoch  in  the  history  of  the  congregation.,  r As 
stated  above,  the  old  church  was  entirely  torn  down,  ex- 
cepting the  front.  It  is  intended  at  a  future  date  to  erect 
a  massive  stone  front,  with  a  central  tower,  30;  feet  scjuare 
and  150  feet  high.  -1       -      .-.-■■■ 

The  church  is  a  two-story  edifice,  erected  of  brick,  with, 
slate  roof  It  is  50  feet  by  121  feet.  On  the  first,  floor,, 
next  the  entrance  from  the  vestibule,  is  the  main  Sunday, 
school  room,  47  by  63  feet.  To  the  rear  of  the  main  Sun- 
day school  room  and  between  it  and  the  primary  room  are 
two  Bible  class  rooms,  15  by  17  feet  each.  The  primary 
room  is  at  the  rear  end  of  the  first  floor.  It  is  a  beauti- 
ful, well  lighted  room,  28  by  47  feet.  The  first  story  is 
13  feet  6  inches  in  the  clear.  ]^t  is  beautifully  finished  in 
])anelled  red  oak.  - 

The  auditorium  on  the  second  floor  is  47  feet  wide  by 
93  feet  long,  in  addition  to  which  there  is  a  chancel,  20  by 
27  feet.  On  the  left  or  north  side  of  the  chancel  is  the 
large  pipe  organ,  donated  by  Mrs.  Kate  Greenawalt  and 
her  sister,  Mrs.  Andrews,  as  a  sacred  memorial  to  their 
departed  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  IsaacW.Levan.  A  similar 
organ  ^ont  adorns  the  rightor  south  side  of  the  chancel.^ 

In  the  rear  of  the  chancel,  against  the  vyall,  stands, :the( 
lar^e,  beautiful  Carrara  marble  altar,  oneof  the  most  mag- 
nificeut  decorations  of  this  church.  This  superior  piece  of 
workmanship  is  7  fqet  long  and  4|  feet  high.  The  carv-r 
iDgii§  pf  thg;  most  delicate  au(l  defaultless  character.  The, 
altar,  which  is  the  gift  of  the  wif«  of  Hon,  Geo..  F.  Baer,- 
i^  surmounted  by  a  beautiful  white  ,cross<  This  magnifi- 
cent altar  is  the  work  of  the  late  Dyd  IJi!eKi3i?aD^  StreQkejj^j.Q^ 
Rfiadipg.tKj    -.i    ai^iii    mooi  yOfjeiLuiJ  aupiciu   e.rilj .  ril 


256  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

The  pulpit  is  a  gem  of  beauty.  It  is  made  of  Mexican 
onyx  and  finished  with  highly  burnished  brass.  In  shape 
it  is  oval.  The  height  of  it  is  :3J  feet,  and  it  is  3  feet  in 
diameter.  It  is  adorned  with  six  ex(juisite  columns  M'ith 
brass  caps.  It  contains  a  plate  bearing  the  inscription  : 
"To  perpetuate  the  memory  of  Amos  B.  Wanner,  Clem- 
entine C.  Wanner  and  Howard  P.  Wanner."  It  was  pre- 
sented by  J.  Edward  and  George  A.  Wanner. 

The  lectern  has  the  form  of  an  eagle.  This  is  of  pol- 
ished brass,  with  massive  pedestal  and  base.  This  is  also 
a  fine  piece  of  art.  This  memorial  lectern  bears  the  fol- 
lowing inscription  : 

To  the  Glory  of  God  and  in  Loving  Memory  of 

Charles  F.  JNIcCauley,  D   D., 

Pastor  Second  Reformed  Church,  Reading,  Pa. 

1855—1892. 

Born  Jan.  5,  1816.  f  Died  Juue  19,  1892. 

And 

His  Faithful  Christian  Wife,  Maria  Hoke  McCauley. 

Born  Jan.  17,  1825.  f  Died  Aug.  13,  1879. 

Erected  by  their  Children,  1897. 

Another  fine,  artistic  decoration  is  the  baptismal  font, 
a  gift  of  Dr.  A.  S.  Jlaudenbush  and  family.  It  is  also 
made  of  marble. 

The  height  of  the  side  walls  of  the  auditorium  is  23 
feet,  and  the  height  of  the  ceiling  in  the  centre  is  36  feet. 
The  interior  of  the  auditorium  is  not  i)lastered,  the  walls 
being  lined  with  gray  brick,  li  by  12  inches,  laid  in  mor- 
tar of  the  same  color.  (Quartered  white  oak  of  finest  qual- 
ity is  the  material  used  for  the  ceiling  and  for  all  wood 
work  in  the  auditorium. 

In  this  unique  audience  room  there  is  perhaps  no 
feature  more  striking  than  the  extraordinary  stained  glass 


SECOND   CHURCH.  257 

windows.  They  were  manufactured  in  Munich,  Germany. 
Thei'e  are  twelve  windows  in  the  body  of  the  church,  six 
on  either  side,  each  being  9  by  14  feet.  In  addition  to 
these  there  is  a  magnificent  chancel  window,  15  feet  6 
inches  wide  by  21  feet  high,  divided  into  five  panels. 
This  large  window  is  the  gift  of  Geo.  F.  and  Emily  K. 
Baer  in  memory  of  Dr.  McCauley.  All  the  windows  con- 
tain beautiful  figures  and  scenes,  and  all  are  memorials. 

The  church  is  heated  by  steam  and  lighted  by  elec- 
tricity. Thirty-two  clusters  of  light  project  from  the 
walls,  and  below  the  ceiling  along  both  walls  are  globes 
containing  electric  lights.  The  floor  is  richly  carpeted. 
The  pews  are  of  quartered  white  oak.  Over  the  vestibule 
there  is  a  balcony  extending  a  few  feet  into  the  audience 
room. 

Tiie  plans  for  this  splendid  edifice  were  made  by  Alex. 
F.  Smith,  of  Reading.  The  building  committee  consisted 
of  Hon.  Geo.  F.  Baer,  P.  M.  Ermentrout,  Wm.  T.  Hain, 
Wm.  R.  Henniuger,  John  E.  Bubp  and  Wellington  Van 
Reed. 

The  total  cost  of  the  church  was  $62,000.  A  debt  of 
over  $24,000  remained.  No  little  credit  for  the  success 
of  the  work  belongs  to  Dr.  S.  R.  Brideubaugh,  the  pastor, 
especially  for  securing  subscriptions.  It  was  also  largely 
the  success  of  his  pastorate  which  had  made  a  larger 
church  a  necessity.  During  the  five  years  of  his  pastor- 
ate 300  persons  were  added  to  the  membership  of  the 
congregation.  During  the  same  time  the  congregation 
contributed  for  benevolent  purposes  $38,450,  and  for  con- 
gregational purposes  $65,000.  At  this  time  the  member- 
ship of  the  congregation  was  652.  In  the  Sunday  school 
there  was  a  total  enrolment  of  500. 


258 


HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 


SECOND   CHURCH.  259 

On  Simday,  Dec.  11,  1898,  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of 
the  Second  church  was  celebrated.  The  sermon  in  the 
morning  was  preached  by  Dr,  T.  C.  Porter,  of  Easton, 
who  was  the  first  pastor  fifty  years  ago.  In  the  afternoon 
the  Sunday  school  observed  the  event  with  suitable  exer- 
cises. Dr.  J.  H.  Stein  read  a  historical  sketch  of  the 
school.  Addresses  were  delivered  by  Dr.  R.  W.  Miller 
and  Elder  Horatio  Jones,  the  latter  of  whom  served  as 
superintendent  during  fifteen  years.  The  school  was  or- 
ganized on  April  20,  1852.  On  Sunday  evening  Prof. 
Geo.  W.  Richards  preached  the  sermon. 

The  erection  of  the  new  church  in  1896  cost  a  great 
deal  more  than  had  been  expected,  which  was  no  unusual 
experience.  The  consequence  was  the  largest  debt  in  the 
history  of  the  congregation — over  ^24,000.  The  ordinary 
current  expenses  had  been  increased  considerably  for  light, 
heat  and  sexton's  service.  To  this  was  added  a  large  sum 
required  for  interest  on  the  debt.  The  people  had  con- 
tributed nearly  $40,000  for  the  new  church.  The  finan- 
cial strain  on  the  congregation  was  severe.  One  result 
was  that  the  work  of  the  congregation  was  hampered.  At 
this  juncture  Dr.  Bridenbangh,  the  pastor,  undertook 
probably  the  most  heroic  deed  of  his  life.  He  undertook 
to  personally  secure  by  subscriptions  the  money  needed  to 
pay  the  whole  debt  and  thereby  save  the  interest.  But 
how  could  this  be  done,  when  the  people  could  hardly 
meet  the  interest  ?  Dr.  B.  believed  in  doing  what  the 
wise  physician  would  do — remove  the  cause  of  the  trouble. 
He  also  believed  that  the  best  way  to  remove  a  church 
debt  was  by  paying  it.  During  the  summer  of  1900  he 
canvassed  the  congregation,  and  on  Sunday,  Nov.  11,  sur- 


200  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

prised  the  congregation  by  tlie  statement  that  sufficient 
subscriptions  liad  been  secured  to  j)ay  the  debt,  which 
with  accrued  interest  aggregated  .^25,000.  This  news  was 
as  surprising  as  it  was  pleasant.  While  the  building  was 
in  process  of  erection  there  had  been  secured  by  the  pas- 
tor's solicitation  about  $15,000  for  memorial  windows, 
pipe  organ,  pulpit,  baptismal  font  and  other  furnishings, 
which,  added  to  the  amount  obtained  for  the  liquidation 
of  the  debt,  made  in  round  numbers  $40,000  as  the  result 
of  Dr.  Bridenbaugh's  personal  efforts. 

AVhen  the  church  was  opened  for  worship  on  Feb.  20, 
1898,  it  was  not  dedicated  because  of  the  debt  resting 
upon  it.  This  is  a  principle  which  may  be  recommended 
to  other  congregations.  The  debt  having  been  provided 
for  in  1900,  the  formal  dedication  of  the  church  took 
]>lace  on  Sunday,  Xoveraber  25,  'of  that  year.  This  was 
really  the  most  joyful  occasion  for  years.  After  the  open- 
ing service  in  the  morning,  the  pastor.  Dr.  S.  R.  Brideu- 
baugh,  solemnly  dedicated  the  beautiful  house  of  worshij) 
to  the  service  of  the  Lord,  after  which  the  late  Dr.  John 
A.  Peters,  then  president  of  Heidelberg  University, 
preached  an  eloijuent  sermon. — In  the  afternoon  addresses 
were  delivered  by  Dr.  R.  AV.  jMiller,  Rev.  T.  L.  Bickel, 
Rev.  E.  B.  Lyttle,  Prof.  Robert  S.  Birch  and  Rev.  How- 
ard Obold.  (Messrs.  Bickel,  Obold  and  Birch  were 
brought  up  in  the  congregation,  and  E.  B.  Lyttle  had 
become  a  member  during  Dr.  Bridenbaugh's  pastorate.) — 
In  the  evening  the  sermon  was  preached  by  Dr.  William 
Rupp,  of  Lancaster,  Pa.  The  three  services  were  under 
the  direction  of  the  pastor,  and  were  well  attended,  not- 
withstanding the  unfavorable  weather.     Over  §500  was 


SECOND    CHUECH.  261 

coutributed  during  the  day  for  accumulated  interest.  This 
was  the  culmination  of  a  great  work  which  had  cost  a 
good  deal  of  money,  and  to  which  much  valuable  time 
had  been  devoted,  especially  on  the  part  of  the  pastor  and 
the  building  committee. 

On  Sunday,  May  25,  1902,  the  tenth  anniversary  of 
Dr.  Bridenbaugh's  pastorate  was  observed.  During  the 
ten  years  he  received  565  persons  into  the  church — 244 
by  confirmation  and  over  300  by  letter.  He  buried  162 
persons,  of  whom  117  were  members  of  his  church.  The 
membership  at  this  time  was  762.  During  these  ten  years 
the  congregation  raised  $111,281  for  congregational  pur- 
poses, including  the  erection  of  the  new  church,  and  $76,- 
890  for  benevolence — total  $188,171.  On  this  occasion 
Dr.  Bridenbaugh  also  celebrated  the  27th  anniversary  of 
his  ordination. 

On  October  25,  1902,  a  Mission  Band  was  organized 
in  the  church  with  100  members. 

During  the  summer  of  1904  Dr.  Bridenbaugh  and  his 
wife  made  a  tour  of  Europe.  It  was  the  first  extended 
vacation  of  the  pastor  since  coming  to  Reading.  They 
enjoyed  a  delightful  trip,  but  their  home-coming  was  sad. 
They  returned  to  Reading  on  August  24  to  find  their  sec- 
ond son,  Paul  S.,  critically  ill  with  typhoid  fever.  He 
had  been  taken  ill  on  August  12,  and  was  later  removed 
to  St.  Joseph's  Hospital,  where  he  died  on  August  31, 
just  one  week  after  the  return  of  his  parents.  His  age 
was  24  years.  It  was  a  sad  family  reunion  at  the  bedside 
of  their  dying  beloved  son.  His  burial  took  place  on 
September  3.  Short  sermons  were  preached  in  the  Second 
church  by  Rev,  H.  H.  Ranck,  Dr.  A.   C.   Whitmer  and 


262  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

Dr.  John  C  Bowman.  The  death  of  tlieir  son,  in  the 
prime  of  youth,  was  a  severe  stroke  for  the  Brideubaiigh 
family.  The  son  had  been  given  the  most  thorough  pre- 
paration for  the  gospel  ministry,  and  was  stricken  down 
when  he  was  ready  to  enter  upon  his  life  work,  Paul  S. 
Bridenbaugh  was  a  graduate  of  Franklin  and  Marshall 
College  and  of  the  Lancaster  Theological  Seminary,  and 
also  of  the  Divinity  School  of  Harvard  University.  Dur- 
ing the  summer,  while  his  parents  were  abroad,  he  served 
as  supply  of  the  Second  Reformed  church.  He  was 
licensed  by  Reading  Classis  on  June  1,  1903. 

The  Second  congregation  existed  nearly  four  years 
before  it  organized  a  Sunday  school.  There  were  probably 
two  reasons  for  this.  In  the  first  place  the  number  of 
children  was  small,  the  congregation  having  been  started 
with  only  thirty  members ;  secondly,  the  congregation 
had  no  permanent  place  of  worship. 

The  Sunday  school  was  organized  at  a  meeting  called 
for  this  purpose  on  April  20,  1852.  Twenty-four  mem- 
bers of  the  congregation  were  present,  as  ibllows :  Ivins 
Benson,  John  Ermentrout,  Peter  Lotz,  George  K.  Levan, 
Daniel  Hoffman,  E.  Yocum,  William  Dusan,  James  Lee, 
Jacob  Gerhardt,  Jacob  Anthony,  F.  Beidler,  David  Er- 
mentrout, H.  C.  Ritter,  Mrs.  Kieffer,  Mrs.  David  Er- 
mentrout, Mrs.  Lee,  Mrs.  Beidler,  Mrs.  Ritter,  Miss  Shin- 
del,  Miss  Derringer,  Miss  Clementine  Zieber,  Mrs.  S.  East 
and  Miss  Hagy. 

These  officers  of  the  school  were  elected  :  President, 
Dr.  Moses  Kieffer;  superintendent,  James  Lee;  assist- 
ant superintendent,  AA'iiliam  Ermentrout,  jr. ;  secretary. 
If.  C.   Ritter;  treasurer,    David   Ermentrout;  librarian. 


SECOND    CHURCH.  263 

Philip  Ernientrout.  A  constitutiou  of  uiue  articles  was 
adopted  for  the  goverument  of  the  school. 

The  first  session  of  the  school  was  held  on  Sunday, 
May  21,  1852,  with  08  scholars.  The  place  of  meeting 
was  the  old  Academy,  at  Fourth  and  Court  streets,  where 
the  congregation  held  its  worship.  During  a  considerable 
length  of  time  two  sessions  were  held,  morning  and  after- 
noon. On  November  14,  1852,  it  was  proposed  to  hold 
only  one  session  during  the  winter,  but  the  two-session 
system  was  continued.  The  growth  of  the  school  was 
slow.  On  January  1,  1854,  the  report  gives  the  number 
of  scholars  as  being  tiie  same  as  the  year  before,  viz.,  65. 
Frequently  the  record  of  the  school  contains  only  the 
number  of  persons  present  and  the  state  of  the  weather. 

During  its  history  of  fifty-three  years  the  school  has 
been  served  by  these  superintendents  :  1852  and  1853, 
James  Lee;  no  record  of  1854  and  1855;  1856 — 1858, 
William  Ermentrout,  jr. ;  1858  1860,  A.  F.  Boas  ;  1860 
—1866,  Horatio  Jones;  1866— 1869,  Amos  B.  Wanner, 
esq.;  1869— 1879,  Horatio  Jones;  1879  and  1880,  Dr. 
Joseph  Coblentz;  1881—1883,  J.  H.  Stein;  1884  and 
1885,  John  F.  Orth  ;  1886  and  1887,  J.  H.  Stein  ;  1888, 
Dr.  R.  W.  Miller;  1889-1891,  J.  H.  Stein;  1891— 
1893,  Capt.  Jacob  AVeidel ;  1893—1894,  J.  H.  Stein; 
1895—1897,  Rev.  E.  Bruce  Ljttle  ;  1897—1898,  J.  H. 
Stein;  1898,  Prof.  E.  Mackey  ;  1889,  Irvin  S.  Brandt; 
1900,  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner ;  1901—1904,  Prof.  R.  S. 
Birch  ;  1905,  John  H.  Bridenbaugh,  esq. 

Mr.  Horatio  Jones  served  the  longest  time — sixteen 
years  ;  whilst  Dr.  J.  H.  Stein  served  ten  years  during 
five  ditferent  periods. 


264  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

The  secretaries  of  the  school  have  been  :  H.  C.  Ritter, 
A.  B.  Wanner,  esq.,  A.  K.  Stauffer,  es(|.,  John  E.  Bubp, 
Geo.  M.  Ermentront,  esq.,  David  Thomas,  Jona.  P.  Men- 
gel,  D.  A.  Soder,  Geo.  S.  Stirl,  J.  Ed.  Wanner,  M.  Laucks, 
C.  H.  Raudenbush.  These  have  served  as  treasurers  of 
the  school  :  J.  T.  Reber,  J.  F.  Orth,  W.  T.  Hain,  J.  Ed. 
Wanner,  W.  R.  Henuinger,  D.  A.  Soder,  Samuel  Brandt. 
These  have  been  chief  librarians  :  Philip  M.  Ermentront 
(who  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  person  confirmed  in  the 
Second  church),  Geo.  M.  Ermentront,  esq  ,  W.  Van  Reed, 
Philip  Lotz,  Wm.  E.  Good,  Henry  Z.  Ermentront,  Jona. 
P.  Mengel,  E.  B.  McCauley,  Geo.  F.  Wink,  Sihis  C.  Er- 
mentront, Merritt  DeTurck,  James  Plotts. 

The  superintendents  of  the  primary  department  have 
been  :  Mrs.  Jas.  F.  Beidler,  Mrs.  Dr.  Jos.  Coblentz,  Mrs. 
Louisa  Wanner,  Miss  Emma  C.  Ermentront,  Mrs.  Wm. 
R.  Henuinger,  Mrs.  Catherine  McCauley,  Miss  Helen 
Baer. 

For  a  loug  time  the  membership  of  the  school  was 
small,  but  it  gradually  grew  to  be  one  of  the  largest 
schools  in  the  city.  It  has  always  taken  an  active  part 
in  the  work  of  the  Church,  especially  during  the  past 
twenty-five  years.  It  has  contributed  largely  to  the  erec- 
tion of  the  splendid  new  church,  and  also  to  the  erection 
of  Faith  church  on  Bingaman  street  and  to  the  pureliasc 
of  the  property  occupied  by  St.  James'  congrejiation  in 
West  Reading, 

As  stated  above,  the  school  was  started  with  68  schol- 
ars. The  present  membership  is  460,  including  the  home 
department. 

We  are  unable  to  state  who  served  the  Second  chunli 
as  organist  during  its  early  history.     W.   C.    Ermentront 


SECOND    CHURCH.  265 

served  some  years  until  the  close  of  1866.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Edwin  Tilden,  who  served  a  short  time.  J.  P. 
Mengel  served  during  a  vacancy  in  1867.  Rev.  James  I. 
Good  was  organist  during  1868  and  some  time  after,  at  a 
salary  of  floO  per  year.  In  October  of  1868  George  E. 
Haak  was  engaged,  who  served  a  short  time.  In  Janu- 
ary, 1869,  the  trustees  engaged  Prof.  Becker  at  a  salary 
of  >i;200  per  year.  He  retired  on  Feb.  1,  1870.  In  April 
of  this  year  Mrs.  Mills  was  elected  at  $250  per  year,  but 
she  does  not  appear  to  have  accepted,  as  the  consistory  on 
March  14,  1871,  states  that  Mrs.  Stauifer  had  served  dur- 
ing the  past  year.  Mrs.  S.  served  until  May  1,  1871. 
Wm.  M.  Goldsborough  served  until  April  1,  1872.  On 
April  9,  1872,  Mr.  Joshua  Waring,  of  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y., 
was  elected  at  ^400  per  year.  On  Oct.  24,  1873,  he  was 
also  appointed  leader  of  the  choir.  In  May, .1877,  he  was 
re-employed  at  $300  per  year. — Prof.  W.  S.  HoUenback 
was  elected  organist  in  February,  1897,  and  continues  in 
the  position  at  this  time. 

The  first  treasurer  mentioned  in  the  minutes  of  the 
consistory  was  Mr.  Henry  Ermentrout.  He  was  elected 
on  Feb.  25,  1851.  He  died  in  the  spring  of  this  year, 
and  ou  Jiuie  3,  1851,  Philip  Zieber  succeeded  him.  In 
1852  Mr.  B.  Dissler  is  mentioned  as  treasurer.  William 
Ermentrout  served  during  1853.  On  Feb.  15,  1854, 
Geo.  K.  Levan  was  elected.  On  January  23,  1855,  Wm. 
Ermentrout  was  elected.  He  was  succeeded  on  April  16, 
1856,  by  Daniel  Zacharias.  William  P^rmentrout  was 
again  elected  ou  Jan.  20,  1858,  and  served  until  August 
1,  1859,  when  he  resigned  on  account  of  ill  health,  and 
Samuel  Hechler  succeeded  him.  David  Ermentrout 
18 


2G6  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

served  as  treasurer  from  the  beginning  of  18G2  until 
Feb.  4,  1873,  when  lie  resigned  on  account  of  removal 
from  the  city.  He  was  succeeded  by  James  T.  Reber, 
who  served  until  the  close  of  the  year  1876.  Subse- 
quently the  following  persons  served  as  treasurer :  J.  H. 
Stein,  1877  and  1878;  John  F.  Orth,  1879;  James  T. 
Reber,  1882  and  1883;  William  T.  Haiu,  1884—1887; 
Mrs.  Alice  V.  Mengel,  1888—1891;  Mi.^s  Emma 
Sehraucker,  1892  and  1893;  Philip  M.  Ermentrout,  1894 
—19  0  ;  Chas.  H.  Raudenbush,  1901  to  the  present  time. 
The  first  secretary  of  the  consistory  was  H.  C.  Ritter. 
On  Jan.  3,  1853,  he  asked  to  be  relieved,  and  Franklin 
Beidler  was  elected,  who  served  during  1853  and  1854. 
Subsequently  the  office  was  filled  by  these  persons  :  Wm 
Graetf,  1855—57  ;  Daniel  S.  Moll,  1858;  A.  B.  Wanner, 
1859—62;  Geo.  D.  Stitzel,  1863—71;  Wm.  M.  Good- 
man, 1872—73;  J.  H.  Stein,  1874—75;  J.  P.  Mengel, 
1876;  Geo.  E.  Haak,  1877;  W.  R.  Henninger,  1878— 
79  ;  Geo.  P.  Zieber,  April,  1879,  to  March,  1880;  J.  H." 
Stein,  March,  1880,  to  October,  1880;  Horatio  Jones, 
October,  1880,  to  Feb.,  1881  ;  D.  N.  SchacfFer,  February, 
1881,  to  Jan.,  1887  ;  Irwin  Y.  Wann,  Jan.,  1887,  to  Jan., 
1888  ;  B.  F.  Hunsicker,  Jan.,  1888,  to  Nov.,  1888  ;  How- 
ard P.  Wann,  Nov.,  1888,  to  Jan.,  1889;  B.  F.  Ruth, 
Jan.,  1889,  to  Jan.,  1891  ;  E.  H.  Prutzman,  Jan.,  18i)l, 
to  Dec,  1891  ;  B.  F.  Ruth,  Dec,  1891,  to  Feb.,  1893; 
B.  F.  Dettra,  Feb.,  1893,  to  April,  1895;  Frank  M. 
Rieser,  April,  1895,  to  Feb.,  1896;  E.  Bruce  Lyttle, 
Feb.,  1896,  to  Feb.,  1897  ;  J.  E.  Lebkicker,  Feb.  1897, 
to  March,  1903  ;  W.  A.  H.  Reider,  March,  1893,  to  Feb., 
1904;  W.  B.  Keefer,  P'eb.,  1904,  to  present  time. 


SECOND   CHURCH.  267 

We  are  unable  to  state  who  serv^ed  as  sexton  of  the 
congregation  in  the  early  years.  On  October  1,  1886,. 
Mr^Stringf elder  was  employed.  From  1870  to  1874  Mr. 
Leader  served  in  this  position.  In  1876  Mr.  Luther  J. 
Miller  was  elected,  and  has  served  until  the  present  time. 
He  is  a  faithful  and  painstaking  officer. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  congregation  the  Ermen- 
trout  family  was  prominent  and  active.  The  heads  of  two 
families,  John  and  William,  were  among  the  original 
members.  Later  two  other  brothers  also  united  with  the 
church — Samuel  and  David.  John  frequently  served  as 
elder,  and  was  a  member  of  the  building  committee  when 
the  church  was  erected.  He  was  one  of  those  whose  pri- 
vate property  was  pledged  for  the  debts  of  the  church. 
(See  reference  to  him  and  his  daughter  Margaret  C.  in  his- 
tory of  Faith  church.)  William  Ermentrout  served  sev- 
eral times  as  treasurer.  Four  of  his  sons  became  promi- 
nent in  the  community.  John  S.  was  a  short  time  a  Re- 
formed minister,  county  superintendent  of  public  schools 
and  princii)al  of  Keystone  State  Normal  School.  He  en- 
tered the  Roman  Catholic  Church,  and  later  served  as 
])rofessor  in  one  of  her  schools.  Daniel  was  District  At- 
torney, several  terms  a  member  of  the  State  Legislature 
and  several  terms  a  member  of  Congress.  James  N.  is 
serving  a  second  term  as  judge  of  the  Berks  county  court. 
Samuel  C.  is  a  well-known  physician  of  Reading.  The 
two  first  named  have  died. 

The  following  members  of  the  Second  church  entered 
the  ministry  :  Rev.  W.  K.  Zieber,  D.  D.,  of  Hanover, 
Pa.;  Rev.  A.  M.  Viven,  of  Norristown ;  Rev.  Howard 
Obold,  of  Alexandria,  Pa.  ;    Rev.    E.    Bruce  Lyttle,   of 


268  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

York,  Pa.  ;  Rev.  Thos.  L.  Bickel,  of  Philadelphia,  and 
Rev.  Paul  S.  Bridenbaugh. 

When  the  Second  church  was  organized,  the  First 
church  was  known  as  the  "  German  Reformed  Church." 
This  was  the  title  of  the  denomination  in  this  country 
because  of  its  German  origin.  The  Second  congregation 
was  for  a  long  time  known  as  the  "  Second  German  Re- 
formed Church."  Even  in  the  minutes  of  the  consistory 
this  title  is  used  from  the  beginning  until  18G4.  This 
seems  strange,  since  there  was  no  German  preaching  in 
the  Second  church. 

On  April  28,  1851,  the  form  of  a  seal  for  the  corpora- 
tion was  adopted  as  follows  :  "  S.  G.  R.  C.  of  R.,"  which 
stood  for  the  "  Second  German  Reformed  Church  of  Read- 
ing." 

On  January  3,  1853,  the  congregation  resolved  that 
the  pews  in  the  church  should  be  rented.  The  purpose 
no  doubt  was  to  secure  a  larger  and  regular  increase  of 
revenue  for  the  church.  The  income  for  a  considerable 
time  continued  to  be  small  on  account  of  the  small  mem- 
bership and  the  low  rate  of  the  pews.  The  pew  rents  of 
the  year  1854  aggregated  only  |234.75.  With  the groMth 
of  the  membership  the  income  from  pew  rents  naturally 
also  increased.  In  the  course  of  time  it  became  necessary 
to  revise  (increase)  the  pew  rents.  This  was  done  in 
1868.  During  that  year  it  was  resolved  by  the  congrega- 
tion to  declare  all  pews  vacant  at  the  close  of  the  year, 
but  that  present  pewholders  should  have  the  preference 
in  the  new  renting.  The  new  arrangement  naturally 
caused  some  friction.  One  member  refused  to  pay  tlie 
increase.     The  committee  was  directed  to  offer  him  an- 


SECOND   CHUECH.  269 

other  pew  for  $8.00,  and  in  case  he  refused  to  pay  that 
sura,  to  give  him  a  pew  for  nothing.  On  Jan.  7,  1872, 
the  congregation  adopted  a  new  rating.  There  were  122 
pews,  and  the  rents  ranged  from  $6.00  to  $35.00  per  year. 
The  rates  were  certainly  not  excessive. 

The  debt  occasioned  by  the  erection  of  the  first  church, 
which  caused  so  much  trouble  and  threatened  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  congregation,  was  not  the  only  debt  which  was 
incurred  and  paid.  Debts  were  created  by  the  finishing 
of  the  church,  the  completion  of  the  church  front,  and 
finally  the  largest  debt  in  the  history  of  the  congregation 
was  incurred  by  the  erection  of  the  present  magnificent 
cliurch.  Naturally  these  debts  were  annoyances,  but  they 
were  paid.  On  Jan.  19,  1866,  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  apportion  the  debt  upon  the  members.  The  committee 
made  a  report  later,  but  that  appears  to  have  ended  the 
matter.  A  similar  effort  was  made  in  1874.  The  plan 
suggests  equity,  but  it  seldom  works  well  in  church.  The 
principle  is  applied  in  secular  affairs,  but  in  church  mat- 
ters people  prefer  the  voluntary  plan. 

In  the  early  years  of  its  history  the  congregation  did 
not  increase  rapidly.  The  organization  was  effected  with 
30  members.  On  Feb.  13,  1853,  the  communion  was 
celebrated  with  74  guests.  This  was  on  the  Sunday  after 
the  dedication  of  the  church.  We  must  remember  that 
in  1850  the  population  of  Reading  was  only  15,743.  Be- 
sides, people  were  slow  in  uniting  with  a  congregation 
whose  prospects  were  so  doubtful,  and  which  was  bur- 
dened by  debt. 

The  first  members  carefully  guarded  the  church  against 
desecration.     On  Feb.  2,  1853,  the  consistory  tendered  its 


270  HISTORY    OF    KEFORMED    CHURCH. 

thanks  to  Mr.  Wm.  C.  Ernientrout  for  prociiriiifj;  a  nielo- 
deon  for  the  use  of  the  choir,  but  all  other  musical  instru- 
ments were  forbidden  in  church.  The  hope  was  expressed 
that  the  singing  in  future  would  be  conducted  in  the  same 
devotional  spirit  as  before. 

When  Dr.  McCauley  was  called  in  1855  his  salary 
was  fixed  at  ^700  per  year.  The  congregation  paid  liis 
house  rent.  Subsequently  the  salary  was  increased  to 
$800.  On  May  1,  1864,  the  congregation  increased  it  to 
$1000,  and  on  June  8,  1863,  it  was  increased  to  $1300. 
On  Jan.  1,  1873,  it  was  increased  to  $1500. 

In  1905  the  Second  conu-regation  numbered  761  mem- 
bers,  and  the  Sunday  school  460,  including  the  home  de- 
partment. 

In  1905  the  officers  of  the  Second  church  were:  Eld- 
ers, Dr.  J.  H.  Stein,  Dr.  A.  S.  Raudenbush,  Solomon  O. 
Kissell,  Edwin  T.  Wink,  Wm.  R.  Henuinger,  Horatio 
Jones ;  deacons,  John  H.  Obold,  Lorah  Mauger,  W.  A. 
H.  Reider,  Samuel  Brandt,  Prof.  Rob.  S.  Birch,  W.  B. 
Keefer  ;  trustees,  J.  Hain  Ruth,  Silas  C.  Ernientrout,  Geo. 
F.  Baer ;  secretary  of  consistory,  W.  B.  Keefer ;  treas- 
urer of  general  fund,  Chas.  H.  Raudenbush  ;  treasurer  of 
benevolent  fund,  Prof  R.  S.  Birch  ;  organist.  Prof.  W.  S. 
Hollenback  ;  sexton,  Luther  J.  Miller. 

Rev.  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh,  D.  D. 

Samuel  Reid  Bridenbaugh  was  born  in  Sinking  Val- 
ley, Blair  county,  Pa.,  Jan.  28,  1849.  He  was  the  second 
sou  of  Henry  H.  and  Susan  Bridenbaugh.  His  boyhood 
days  were  spent  on  the  farm,  working  throughout  the 
summer  season  and  attending  the  country  district  school 


SECOND   CHURCH.  271 

in  winter.  ^Yhen  sixteen  years  of  age  he  was  sent  to  Ju- 
niata Collegiate  Institute,  Martinsburg,  Pa.,  where  lie 
began  preparation  for  college.  He  spent  one  term  at 
Mereersburg  Academy  and  about  six  months  at  Franklin 
and  Marsiiall  Academy,  Lancaster.  In  the  autumn  of 
1868  he  entered  Franklin  and  Marshall  College,  graduat- 
ing with  honor  in  1872.  A.fter  graduation  he  taught 
Latin  and  Greek  during  a  summer  term  in  the  academy 
at  Martinsburg,  and  in  October,  1872,  he  entered  the 
Theological  Seminary  at  Lancaster,  graduating  from  the 
same  in  May,  1875.  The  next  week  thereafter  he  was 
licensed  to  preach  and  ordained  to  the  ministry  in  the 
Reformed  church  at  Mereersburg  in  May,  1875,  by  a 
committee  of  Mereersburg  Classis,  consisting  of  Rev.  Dr. 
E.  E.  Higbee,  Rev.  William  M.  Deatrick  and  Rev.  Dr. 
P.  S.  Davis.  He  at  once  assumed  the  pastorate  of  the 
Greenfield  charge,  consisting  of  four  congregations.  Dur- 
ing his  short  pastorate  of  a  little  more  than  one  year  in 
this  charge  a  new  church  edifice  was  erected  and  more 
than  one  hundred  added  to  the  membership.  He  resigned 
to  accept  the  presidency  of  Juniata  Collegiate  Institute. 
On  Sept.  20,  1-877,  he  became  pastor  of  Trinity  Reformed 
church  at  Berlin,  Pa.,  serving  it  until  March,  1885.  It 
was  during  his  pastorate  at  Berlin  that  the  beautiful  new 
Trinity  Reformed  church  was  erected.  While  residing 
there  he  was  elected  by  Pittsburg  Synod  as  sy nodical  edi- 
tor of  the  Reformed  Church  Messey^ger^  which  position  he 
held  until  he  removed  within  the  bounds  of  the  Eastern 
Synod. 

Having  received  a  unanimous  call  from   Trinity  Re- 
formed church,  Bloomsburg,  Pa.,  in  March,  1885,  he   en- 


272  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

tered  at  once  upou  the  work  in  that  town,  acting  at  the 
same  time  as  snpply  of  the  Heller's  congregation,  eight 
miles  rMstant  in  the  conntry.  He  labored  with  indefatig- 
able zeal  in  these  congregations  until  Feb.  22,  1887.  A 
short  time  prior  to  that  date  he  had  been  unanimously 
elected  and  called  to  become  pastor  of  the  Reformed 
Church  of  the  Ascension,  Xorristown,  Pa.  On  Feb.  22, 
1887,  he  removed  to  Xorristown,  where  his  pastorate  con- 
tinued until  May  1,  1892.  AVhile  pastor  of  the  Church 
of  the  Ascension  the  large  indebtedness  on  both  church 
and  parsonage  was  liquidated,  the  membership  greatly 
increased  in  numbers  and  generous  sums  were  contributed 
for  benevolent  purposes.  He  organized  the  mission  Sun- 
day school  in  West  Xorristown,  from  which  was  devel- 
oped Christ  Reformed  church.  Before  his  resignation  as 
pastor  of  the  Church  of  the  Ascension  lots  had  been  pur- 
chased and  paid  for,  on  which  Christ  church  was  subse- 
<|uently  erected.  His  pastorate  at  Xorristown  ended  May 
1,  1892,  when  he  removed  to  Reading  to  assume  the  duties 
of  pastor  of  the  Second  Reformed  church,  to  which  posi- 
tion he  had  been  elected  and  called  in  the  preceding 
January. 

During  the  present  pastorate  of  thirteen  years  Rev. 
Dr.  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh  has  received  into  the  membership 
of  the  congregation  687  persons — 295  by  confirmation  and 
392  by  certificate  or  renewal.  In  the  same  period  the 
congregation  has  contributed  for  benevolent  purposes  the 
sum  of '^101,512,  and  for  congregational  purposes  ^135,- 
668,  a  total  of  §237,180.  The  present  communicant  mem- 
bership is  761. 

Besides  his  work  as  pastor  of  the  Second  church  Dr. 
B.  organized  Faith  congregation   in   the    new    church    on 


SECOND    CHURCH.  273 

Bingaman  street  on  Nov.  13,  1892,  and  St.  James'  con- 
gregation in  West  Reading  on  Jan.  1,  1893.  In  189() 
the  honorary  title  of  D.  D.  was  conferred  upon  him  by 
Franklin  and  Marshall  College.  Dr.  Bridenbangh  has 
been  a  member  of  the  Bi-Synodic  Board  of  Home  Mis- 
sions since  October,  1897,  and  of  the  Board  of  Home  Mis- 
sions of  the  General  Synod  since  May,  1899.  He  has 
been  stated  clerk  of  Reading  Classis  since  June,  1901. 

On  January  19,  1876,  Dr.  Bridenbaugh  was  married 
to  Miss  Lydia  A.  Bowman,  of  Chambersburg,  Pa.  Their 
union  was  blessed  with  four  children,  three  sons  and  one 
daughter.  The  daughter,  Mary  Elizabeth,  died  July  8, 
1888,  aged  11  months.  The  three  sons  grew  to  manhood. 
Rev.  Paul  S.  died  Aug.  31,  1904.  Two  sons  survive, 
John  H.  and  George  B.,  the  former  a  member  of  the 
Reading  bar  and  the  latter  a  student  at  Harvard  Uni- 
versity. 


SECTION  III. 

ST.  JOH^'S  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

(Third  Congregation.) 

St.  John's  is  the  third  Reformed  congregation  organ- 
ized in  the  city  of  Reading.  Some  time  in  1863,  after 
Dr.  B.  Bailsman  had  come  to  Reading  as  the  pastor  of  the 
First  Reformed  church,  he  commenced  to  mature  plans 
for  the  organization  of  some  mission  schools  in  the  city. 
St.  John's  Sunday  school  was  the  first  fruit  of  this  effort. 
It  was  organized  by  Dr.  B.  Bausman,  Dr.  C.  F.  McCau- 
ley  and  Rev.  Wra.  A.  Good  in  the  old  school  house  on 
Franklin  street,  between  Eighth  and  Ninth  streets,  on 
Sunday,  March  6,  1864.  On  the  second  Sunday  75  schol- 
ars were  present.  Rev.  W.  A.  Good  was  the  first  super- 
intendent, and  he  bestowed  much  time  and  labor  upon  the 
work.  He  continued  in  the  position  until  Aug.  12,  1871, 
some  time  after  the  congregation  had  been  organized.  He 
was  assisted  in  conducting  the  school  by  his  amiable  wife. 
These  people  were  the  j)arents  of  Dr.  James  I.  Good, 
present  pastor  of  Calvary  church  and  Dean  of  theUrsinus 
School  of  Theology  in  Phihidclphia. 

On  Nov.  23,  1864,  about  nine  mouths  after  the  organ- 
ization of  St.  John's  mission  school.  Dr.  B.  Bausman  pur- 
chased a  lot  of  ground,  40  feet  front,  at  the  northeast  cor- 
ner of  Ninth  and  Chestnut  streets,  for  ^950,  and  erected 
a  frame  chapel,  30  l)y  45  feet,  u})on  it.  He  assumed  the 
financial  responsibility  of  the  same.     The  school   was  re- 


ST.    JOHN  S    CHURCH. 


275 


moved  to  the  chapel  ou  Suuday,  April   2,  18G5,  and  the 
dedication  took  place  ou  this  occasion.     This  was  some- 


thing new  in  the  Reformed  Church  in  Reading,  and  there 
was  a  large  attendance.     Dr.  B.  Bausman  spoke  in  Ger- 


276  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

man  and  Dr.  C.  F.  McCauley  in  English.  For  a  consid- 
erable length  of  time  Rev.  Mr.  Good  preached  English 
and  German  in  the  chapel.  The  writer  well  remembers 
some  of  his  sermons.  He  was  a  cnltnred,  kind-hearted 
gentleman,  and  a  lover  of  children.  The  members  of  the 
school  were  warmly  attached  to  him.  He  was  the  first 
superintendent  of  public  schools  of  Berks  county,  and  ren- 
dered excellent  service  in  allaying  the  opposition  to  the 
new  svstem  which  prevailed  among  the  peoj>le.  He  held 
many  public  meetings  and  explained  the  advantage  of  the 
free  schools  to  the  people.  Rev.  Mr.  Good  died  suddenly 
on  Sunday,  Feb.  9,  1873.  His  mother  was  truly  a  mother 
in  Israel.  The  family  resided  at  Rehrersburg,  Berks 
county,  Pa.,  and  later  at  Reading.  His  father,  Hon. 
Philip  H.  Good,  died  early  and  left  his  widow  with  five 
sous  and  several  daughters.  In  order  to  give  her  children 
an  opportunity  to  secure  an  education,  and  because  her 
son,  William  A.,  was  rector  of  the  preparatory  department 
of  Marshall  College,  she  removed  to  Mercersburg,  Pa., 
where  Marshall  College  was  then  located.  She  devoted 
four][of  her  five  sons  to  the  ministry — William  A.,  Reu- 
ben, Jeremiah  H.  and  James.  The  latter  died  while  a 
student  in  the  seminary  ;  Reuben  and  Jeremiah  H.  were 
until  their  death  connected  with  Heidelberg  College  and 
Seminary  at  Tiffin,  Ohio,  and  were  useful  and  eminent 
men.  A  sister  became  the  wnfe  of  Dr.  Wm.  K.  Zieber, 
now  at  Hanover,  Pa.  All  those  named  have  passed  away. 
The  chapel  was  twice  enlarged  to  provide  room  for 
the  growing  school.  In  each  instance  fifteen  feet  were 
added  to  the  length  of  the  building,  so  that  its  size  was 
now  30  by  75  feet.     During  several  years  a  German  Sun- 


ST.  johk's  church.  277 

day  school  was  also  raaiutained.  After  its  discootinuance, 
several  German  classes  were  maiutained  in  the  English 
school.     The  writer  taught  a  German  class  for  some  time. 

Rev.  Mr.  Good  was  succeeded  as  superintendent  by 
Mr.  J.  Allen  Riegel,  who  served  until  the  end  of  May, 
1878.  William  E.  Good,  a  sou  of  the  first  superintendent, 
served  two  years,  and  Henry  H.  Holl  one  year.  In  1883 
Rev.  Dr.  J.  W.  Steinmetz  became  superintendent  and  con- 
tinued in  this  position,  with  an  intermission,  until  1902. 

On  Sunday,  June  25,  1871,  St.  John's  Reformed  con- 
gregation was  organized  by  Dr.  Bausman  with  fifteen 
members.  The  start  was  made  with  a  small  number,  but 
this  was  gradually  increased  to  an  encouraging  degree. 
At  this  time  the  Sunday  scliool  numbered  about  300. 

The  first  pastor  was  Rev,  Christian  Kessler.  He  was 
called  while  still  a  student  in  the  Seminary  at  Lancaster. 
For  some  time  he  continued  his  studies  in  the  Seminary 
and  preached  on  Sundays.  He  delivered  his  first  sermon 
on  June  4,  1871.  On  May  24,  1872,  he  was  ordained 
and  installed  as  pastor  of  St.  John's  church  by  a  commit- 
tee of  Lebanon  Classis,  consisting  of  Revs.  I.  E.  Graeff, 
D.  B.  Albright  and  W.  F.  P.  Davis.  But  his  labors  here 
were  of  short  duration.  Already  on  Jan.  31,  1873,  he 
was  compelled  by  illness  to  resign.  In  the  fall  of  the 
same  year  he  made  a  trip  to  California,  bnt  his  health  was 
not  greatly  improved.  He  then  located  at  Lehighton, 
Pa.,  and  engaged  in  teaching.  He  died  on  May  26,  1874, 
aged  28  years,  6  months  and  13  days.  His  funeral  took 
place  on  May  29.  Rev.  Dr.  L.  K.  Derr  conducted  a  Ger- 
man service  at  Lehighton.  The  body  was  then  brought 
to  Reading,  where  a  further  service  was  held  in  St.  Paul's 


278  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

churcli.  Dr.  B.  Bailsman  conclucted  the  service,  assisted 
by  Dr.  C.  F.  McCauley,  Dr.  T.  G.  Apple,  Dr.  H.  Mosser, 
and  Revs.  J.  G.  Shoemaker  and  James  A.  Sehiiltz.  In- 
terment was  made  in  Charles  Evans'  Cemetery. 

Mr.  Kessler  \vas  born  in  Switzerland,  Nov.  13,  1845, 
as  the  son  of  John  and  Bur^a  Kessler.  When  the  bov 
was  three  years  old,  the  family  located  in  Beadin<>-  and 
united  with  the  First  Reformed  church,  in  whose  bosom 
the  son  grew  up.  He  was  confirmed  by  Dr.  A.  S.  Lein- 
bach,  and  by  him  encouraged  to  devote  himself  to  the 
ministry  He  studied  in  Mercersburg  College  at  Mer- 
cersburg  and  in  the  Tlieological  Seminary  at  Lancaster, 
and  graduated  from  the  latter  institntiim  in  the  spring  of 
1872.  Two  brothers  were  also  Reformed  ministers — 
Tobias  Kessler,  who  was  killed  in  a  trolley  accident  near 
Allentown  on  December  23,  1001,  and  Jolin  M.  Kessler, 
who  died  on  Jan.  19,  1899.  All  of  these  grew  up  in  the 
First  church. 

Rev.  Christian  Kessler  was  succeeded  in  St.  John's 
pastorate  by  Rev.  James  A.  Schultz,  whose  w'ork  here 
was  also  of  short  duration,  as  was  that  of  his  successor. 
Mr.  Schidtz  commenced  his  work  in  March  of  1873.  He 
was  installed  on  Easter  Monday  evening  by  a  committee 
of  Lebanon  Classis,  consisting  of  Revs.  A.  S.  Leinbach,  B, 
Bausraan  and  F.  W.  I^echant.  Unfortunately  he  was 
allowed  to  labor  only  a  little  more  than  six  months,  when 
he  was  comj^elled  to  resign  by  failing  health  on  October 
19,  1873.  Me  had  been  (piite  active,  and  there  was  the 
promise  of  great  usefulness.  He  confirmed  25  ])('rsons 
and  received  60  others  by  certificate.  Mr.  Schultz  was 
born  in   Montgomery   county,   studied    in    the    Reformed 


ST.  John's  church.  279 

iustitutions  aud  was  ordaiued  iu  1866.  He  came  to  Read- 
ing from  Schaefferstown,  Pa.  His  lot  has  been  a  sad  one. 
Durins:  a  Ions:  time  he  had  been  afflicted  with  mental 
troubles,  aud  is  at  this  time  an  inmate  of  an  asylum. 

The  third  pastor  was  Rev.  J.  G.  Shoemaker,  who  com- 
menced his  work  on  JNIarch  15,  1874.  On  this  day  he 
was  installed  by  a  committee  of  Lebanon  Classis,  cousist- 
iug  of  Dr.  B.  Bausman,  Rev.  J.  Fiindeling  aud  Dr.  H. 
Mosser.  His  pastorate  was  also  of  short  duration,  cou- 
tinuiug  less  than  one  year. 

He  was  born  at  Friends'  Cove,  Bedford  county,  Pa., 
August  15,  1828.  He  studied  in  Marshall  College,  and 
after  teaching  a  number  of  years  he  pursued  a  course  of 
studies  in  the  Theological  Seminary.  He  was  examined 
and  licensed  by  the  Eastern  Synod  iu  the  fall  of  1855  and 
ordained  on  July  13,  1856.  He  served  the  Rimersbnrg 
charge  iu  Clarion  (!(iuuty.  Pa.,  until  the  early  part  of  1874, 
when  he  became  pastor  of  St.  John's  church,  Reading. 
He  found  the  work  here  too  difficult,  and  his  health 
began  to  fail.  On  March  1,  1875,  Mr.  Shoemaker  ac- 
cepted the  call  to  Aaronsburg,  Pa.  On  Nov.  I,  1879,  he 
went  to  Emporia,  Kansas,  aud  spent  over  a  year  there. 
On  Jan.  1,  1881,  he  became  pastor  at  West  Alexandria, 
Ohio,  and  on  Jan.  1,  1885,  he  entered  upon  his  last  charge 
at  Red  Bank,  Clarion  county,  Pa.  On  Nov.  25,  1885, 
being  Thanksgiving  Day,  Mr.  Shoemaker  was  stricken 
with  paralysis,  and  suffered  from  this  affliction  during  the 
long  period  of  nearly  eleven  years.  For  a  long  time  he 
was  entirely  helpless.  Meanwhile  his  affliction  was  in- 
creased by  the  death  of  his  wife.  Mr,  Shoemaker  died 
near  Blackburn  Station,    Allegheny  county.    Pa.,  at    the 


280  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

home  of  a  sou,  ou  Oct.  20,  1896.  He  was  buried  on  Oct. 
23  at  Braddock,  Pa.  Rev.  A.  K.  Kline  preached  the 
sermon. 

The  resignation  of  Mr.  Shoemaker  was  followed  by 
a  vacancy  in  the  pastoral  office  of  seven  months.  The 
freqnent  changes  of  pastors  had  a  depressing  eifect  upon 
the  people,  but  they  held  well  together  in  tlie  hope  of  a 
more  successful  future,  which  came  in  the  next  pastorate. 

Rev.  Dr.  J.  W.  Steinmetz  was  the  fourth  pastor.  He 
was  installed  on  Oct.  12,  1875,  by  a  committee  of  Leba- 
non Classis,  consisting  of  Rev.  B.  Bausman,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
C.  F.  McCauley,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  A.  S.  Leinbach.  Dr. 
Steinmetz  at  once  saw  that  the  great  need  of  the  congre- 
gation was  a  new  and  larger  church,  and  at  an  early  day 
he  started  a  movement  for  the  erection  of  a  new  church. 
The  congregation  had  a  debt  of  S2500  at  this  time.  The 
larger  portion  of  this  was  incurred  by  the  purchase  of  an 
additional  lot,  22  by  105  feet,  for  §1800.  This  was  a 
wise  purchase,  as  it  made  the  erection  of  a  new  church  on 
the  old  ground  })ossible.  The  movement  for  a  church  at 
first  received  but  little  encouragement  on  the  part  of  the 
members  for  obvious  reasons.  All  of  them  were  people 
of  moderate  means,  and  many  could  contribute  but  little 
for  a  new  church.  Finally  Mr.  William  Lotz,  a  grand- 
son of  Nicholas  Lotz,  of  Revolutionary  fame,  came  for- 
ward and  generously  offered  to  furnish  400,000  bricks  for 
a  church  and  parsonage.  This  gift  was  worth  about 
^1600.  This  settled  the  question.  Permission  was  given 
Dr.  J.  W.  Steinmetz  to  go  forward,  and  a  building  com- 
mittee was  appointed,  consisting  of  the  pastor,  Solomon 
Hartman,  Daniel  Wiegner  and  John  B.  Brunner,  of  the 
congregation,  and  Messrs.  J.  B.  Fricker,  of  St.  Paul's,  and 


PASTORS    OF    ST.    .IOHM's    CHURCH 


feT.  John's  church.  281 

John  F.  Orth,  of  the  Second  olmrch.  Ou  July  9,  1876, 
the  last  service  was  held  in  the  old  chapel,  after  which  it 
was  demolished.  The  coruerstoue  of  the  new  church  was 
laid  on  August  20,  1876.  Dr.  J.  S.  Stahr  preached  in 
German,  and  Dr.  B.  Bausman  followed  in  an  English 
address.  Pastor  iSteinmetz  laid  the  stone  in  the  usual 
way.  The  usual  articles  were  placed  in  the  stone.  The 
plan  provided  for  a  brick  church,  53  by  85  feet,  with 
basement,  end  gallery  in  audience  room  and  tower  of  76 
feet  in  height  in  the  centre  of  the  front.  The  seating 
capacity  was  co  be  about  700. 

Pastor  Steiumetz  took  the  lead  in  the  work,  and  under 
his  direction  it  was  carried  through  successfully.  He  not 
only  superintended  the  work  of  erection,  but  also  collected 
money  among  the  members  and  friends  of  the  congrega- 
tion. He  received  valuable  assistance  from  the  represen- 
tativ^es  of  the  other  congregations  on  the  building  commit- 
tee. During  the  erection  of  the  church  the  Sunday  school 
held  its  sessions  in  the  new  school  house  on  Franklin 
street,  on  the  site  of  the  old  one  in  which  it  had  been 
organized,  whilst  the  congregation  worshiped  in  the  Sec- 
ond church. 

On  Dec.  31,  1876,  the  basement  was  so  far  completed 
that  the  congregation  and  Sunday  school  could  take  pos- 
session of  it.  On  Sunday,  March  13,  1877,  the  basement 
was  dedicated  by  the  pastor.  Dr.  T.  G.  Apple  preached 
the  sermon. 

The  auditorium  was  dedicated  on  Sunday,  October  14, 

1877.     In  the  morning  Dr.  C.  H.  Leinbach  preached  in 

German  and  Dr.  C.  Z.  Weiser  in   English.     The  formal 

dedication  took  place  in  the  afternoon,  and  was  conducted 

19 


282 


HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 


by  Pastor  Steiumetz,  after  which  Dr.  J.  O.  Miller  preached 
a  sermon.     In  the  evening  Dr.  Miller  preached  again. 


ST.  JOHN'S   REFORMED  CHURCH. 

The  new  church  presented  a  beautiful,   solid  appear- 
ance.    The  windows  are  of  stained  glass.     At  the  same 


ST.  John's  church.  283 

time  a  parsonage  adjoining  the  church  was  erected.  The 
cost  of  erecting  the  church  and  parsonage  was  $16,554 
which  was  universally  regarded  as  the  ch<apest  church 
proj)erty  in  the  city.  The  cost  of  the  buildings  and  the 
previous  debt  amounted  to  $19,742.99;  the  contributions 
amounted  to  $9088.28,  leaviug  a  debt  on  Feb.  1,  1879,  of 
$10,054.71.  This  was  a  heavy  load  for  a  poor  congrega- 
tion, but  generous  members  of  other  churches  extended 
liberal  aid  then  and  afterward.  The  debt  was  subse- 
quently reduced  to  $5200.  The  congregation  was  now 
better  than  ever  prepared  for  aggressive  work.  The  only- 
hindrance  to  progress  was  the  debt. 

One  of  the  most  active  among  the  early  members  of 
the  congregation  was  Mrs.  Wiegner,  wife  of  Mr.  Daniel 
Wiegner.  She  was  in  the  front  rank  of  the  workers,  and 
solicited  a  good  deal  of  money  for  the  support  of  the  con- 
gregatiou.  Whilst  others  became  discouraged  on  account 
of  the  frequent  changes  of  pastors  and  other  circumstan- 
ces, she  was  always  hopeful  and  active.  She  had  taken  a 
deep  interest  in  the  erection  of  the  new  church,  and  was 
allowed  to  see  its  completion.  She  entered  into  rest  on 
October  8,  1879,  aged  68  years.  Her  husband,  who  had 
also  served  the  church  well  as  an  officer,  died  on  Jan.  1 1, 
1883,  in  his  75th  year. 

In  the  rear  of  the  pulpit  was  a  large  vacant  space  in 
the  wall.  A  gentleman,  not  a  member  of  the  congrega- 
tion, was  impressed  by  the  void  whilst  attending  church. 
He  therefore,  at  his  o  '  n  expense,  had  the  place  filled  with 
a  well-executed  painting  representing  the  ascension  of 
Christ.  The  painting  was  uuveiled  in  connection  witli 
the  harvest  festival  on  August   15,  1880.     The  generous 


284  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

donor  was  Mr.   Abraham   Reeser.     His  gift   was  highly 
appreciated. 

When  the  chnrch  was  erected,  the  space  in  the  tower 
was  left  vacant.  There  was  no  bell.  In  April,  1883,  the 
congregation  was  presented  with  a  1300-pound  bell  by  the 
three  brothers,  Manasses,  Michael  and  John  DeLoag,  and 
Samuel  Ranch.  Mr.  J.  B  Fricker  paid  for  the  freight 
and  the  hanging  of  the  bell.  Neither  of  those  mentioned 
were  members  of  the  congregation. 

On  May  15,  1888,  the  Woman's  Missionary  Society 
was  organized.  The  first  anniversary  on  May  15,  1889, 
was  an  occasion  of  special  interest.  The  speakers  were 
Dr.  A.  R.  Bartholomew  and  Rev.  M.  Oshikawa.  The 
latter  is  one  of  the  first  fruits  of  the  Reformed  mission 
work  in  Japan,  and  was  spending  some  time  in  this  coun- 
try.    He  is  a  man  of  prominence  in  his  native  country. 

On  Sunday,  March  10,  1889,  the  twenty-fifth  anni- 
versary of  the  Sunday  school  was  celebrated.  In  the 
forenoon  Rev.  Lewis  Robb  preached  at  the  usual  church 
service.  The  celebration  proper  took  place  at  six  o'clock 
p.  ra.  Dr.  B.  Bausman  delivered  the  principal  address 
on  the  origin  and  growth  of  the  school.  Dr.  A.  S.  Lein- 
bach  also  delivered  an  address.  At  this  time,  after  an 
existence  of  25  years,  the  Suuday  school  numbered  500 
members  and  the  congregation  525. 

There  was  still  something  needed  in  the  new  church — 
a  new  organ.  This  was  secured  in  the  early  part  of  the 
year  1893.  It  was  manufactured  by  Mr.  Samuel  Bohler 
at  a  cost  of  $3500.  Pastor  Steinmetz  secured  nearly  the 
whole  of  this  amount.  The  organ  was  dedicated  on  Sun- 
day,  May   7,   1893,    by    the   pastor.      The   sermon    was 


ST.  John's  church.  285 

preacliecl  by  Dr.  A.  11.  Bartholomew.  The  organ  is  an 
excellent  instrument,  and  added  greatly  to  the  interest  of 
the  church  services. 

The  cougregatiou  was  burdened  with  a  pretty  large 
church  debt,  which  was  contracted  in  connection  with  the 
erection  of  the  church.  The  debt  was  gradually  reduced. 
A  mortgage  of  .$4000  against  the  church  was  held  for 
some  years  by  Miss  Anna  M.  Von  Nieda,  a  member  of 
the  First  Presbyterian  church.  She  died  on  January  17, 
1897.  In  her  will  she  bequeathed  the  whole  amount  to 
St.  John's  church.  This  came  as  a  most  welcome  gift. 
Much  credit  for  it  belongs  to  Dr.  Steinmetz,  who  had  sug- 
gested to  the  lady  that  such  an  act  would  be  a  great  bless- 
ing. Relatives  of  Miss  Von  Nieda  made  an  ellbrt  in  court 
to  have  the  will  set  aside  on  the  alleged  ground  of  undue 
influence,  but  the  court  sustained  the  will  and  the  mort- 
gage was  cancelled  by  the  executor.  The  mortgage  was 
burned  at  a  special  service.  Thus  nearly  the  whole  of  the 
remaining  debt  was  cancelled. 

During;  the  summer  of  1899  the  church  was  exten- 
sively  improved.  The  audience  room  was  refrescoed,  a 
new  roof  placed  on  the  building,  etc.,  at  a  cost  of  $1600. 
The  church  was  reopened  on  Sunday,  Oct.  1,  1899.  Dr. 
B.  Bausman  in  an  address  reviewed  the  history  of  the  con- 
gregation. He  spoke  of  the  labors  of  the  four  pastors — 
Revs.  C.  Kessler,  J.  A.  Schultz,  J.  G.  Shoemaker  and  Dr. 
J.  W.  Steinmetz.  Short  addresses  were  also  delivered  by 
Revs.  M.  A.  Kieffer,  F.  B.  Hahn  and  C.  E.  Schacffer. 

On  Sunday,  September  30,  1900,  Dr.  J.  W.  Steinmetz 
preached  an  historical  sermon,  reviewing  his  pastorate  of 
twenty-five  years  at  St.  John's  church.     This  was  an  oc- 


286  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

casioii  of  unusual  interest.  During  these  twenty-five 
years  in  Reading  Dr.  Steinraetz  confirmed  727  persons, 
received  by  letter  476,  officiated  at  1217  baptisms,  377 
weddings  and  468  funerals.  The  congregation  contrib- 
uted for  its  OjWn  maintenance,  with  outside  help,  $70,000, 
and  for  benevolent  purposes  §6000.  At  the  first  com- 
munion twenty-five  years  before  there  were  onlv  80  guests. 
Only  26  of  the  members  at  that  time  were  on  the  roll  at 
this  date,  and  the  church  membership  now  was  about  450. 

The  quarter-centennial  of  Dr.  Steinmetz's  ])astorate 
was  celebrated  by  a  series  of  special  services  from  Sunday, 
Oct.  7,  1900,  to  Sunday,  Oct.  14,  inclusive.  Sermons 
were  preached  by  Dr.  J.  H.  Dubbs,  Rev.  J.  C.  J.  Kurtz, 
Dr.  H.  Mosser,  Rev.  T.  M.  Yundt,  Dr.  J.  M.  Titzel,  Dr. 
W.  E.  Krebs  and  Dr.  E.  V.  Gerhart.  The  services  cul- 
minated in  the  celebration  of  the  communion  on  Sunday, 
Oct.  14,  when  Dr.  E.  V.  Gerhart  preached  the  sermon. 
On  Thursday  evening,  Oct.  11,  the  services  partook  largely 
of  a  social  nature.  Dr.  J.  M.  Titzel  preached  the  sermon. 
During  the  delivery  of  the  sermon  lie  was  twice  seized 
with  fainting  spells.  After  the  sermon  Mr.  William  A. 
Levan,  on  behalf  of  the  congregation,  presented  Pastor 
Steinmetz  w^ith  a  silver  tray,  on  which  rested  twentv-five 
silver  dollars  of  the  11)00  coinage.  They  were  fresh  from 
the  Philadelphia  mint  This  was  followed  by  Miss  Mary 
Addams  presenting  Mrs.  Steinmetz  w^th  a  beautiful  ma- 
hogany M'ork  table  and  a  gold  thimble,  Dr  Steinmetz 
received  the  gifts  in  a  feeling  manner. 

The  congregation  then  repaired  to  the  basement,  where 
the  young  people's  society  gave  a  reception  and  furnished 
ice  cream  and  cakes.     A   long  table  was  surrounded    by 


ST.  John's  church.  287 

the  clergy  of  Reading  and  a  few  other  friends.  About 
forty  ministers  were  present,  and  they  were  welcomed  by 
Dr.  Steinmetz.  The  response  was  made  by  Rev.  Dr.  8. 
R.  Brideubaugh,  Dr.  H.  Mosser  served  as  toast  master. 
Five-minute  addresses  were  delivered  by  Revs.  George  C. 
Heck  man,  D.  D.,  M.  C.  Horine,  D.  D.,  C.  S.  Gerhard, 
D.  D.,  J.  D.  Woodring,  J.  S.  Bromley,  R.  W.  Hufford, 
D.  D.,  and  B.  T.  Callen. 

Two  more  surprises  awaited  Dr.  Steinmetz.  Wm.  A. 
Levau,  in  behalf  of  the  young  people's  society,  presented 
him  with  a  fine  leather  upholstered  Morris  chair,  and  Mr. 
I.  D.  E.  Swartz,  in  the  name  of  his  Sunday  school  class, 
presented  him  with  a  silver  napkin  ring.  The  recipient 
responded  in  fitting  terms.  Thus  ended  a  delightful 
evening. 

The  celebration  of  this  twenty-fifth  anniversary  was  a 
complete  success.  The  church  was  handsomely  decorated 
with  flags  and  bunting  with  the  Reformed  colors.  The 
celebration  had  a  quickening  effect  upon  ihe  whole  con- 
gregation. 

On  Dec.  1,  1903,  Dr.  Steinmetz  resigned  the  pastorate 
of  St.  John's  church  on  account  of  ill  health,  after  having 
served  28  years.  He  reluctantly  took  this  step,  and  the 
consistory  with  equal  reluctancy  accepted  the  resignation. 
At  the  same  time  Dr.  Steinmetz  was  made  pastor  emer- 
itus. His  resignation  took  effect  on  May  1,  1904.  He 
entered  upon  the  work  here  in  1875,  when  the  congrega- 
tion was  still  worshiping  in  the  old  frame  chapel.  At 
that  time  it  numbered  166  members,  with  270  scholars  in 
the  Sunday  school.  At  the  time  of  his  resignation  there 
were  460  church  members  and  545  scholars  in  the  school. 


288  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

Mainly  through  the  efforts  of  the  pastor  the  large  uew 
church  was  erected  aud  the  new  pipe  organ  secured. 

Dr.  Steinmetz  preached  his  farewell  sermon  on  Sun- 
day evening,  April  24,  19U4.  His  text  was  2  Cor.  13  : 
14.  It  was  an  occasion  of  much  sadness.  The  people 
were  loth  to  part  with  their  old  pastor,  who  had  been 
their  faithful  shepherd  during  twenty-eight  aud  one-half 
years.  During  his  pastorate  of  28J  years  at  St.  John's 
church  Dr.  Steinmetz  baptized  1318  persons,  confirmed 
811,  received  by  certificate  and  renewal  484,  buried  521, 
married  421  cou])les  and  preached  at  church  services  and 
weekly  prayer  meetings  4010  times.  Of  the  80  guests  of 
the  first  communion  in  October  of  1875  thirteen  were  still 
living. 

John  W.  Steinmetz  was  born  on  Feb.  14,  1S34,  near 
Schaefferstown,  Lebanon  county.  Pa.  His  parents  were 
John  and  Anna  Steinmetz.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  was 
baptized  and  confirmed  by  the  late  Rev.  Thomas  H.  Loin- 
bach.  After  attending  the  public  schools  in  his  neigh- 
borhood, he  commenced  his  studies  at  Mercersburg  in 
May,  1851,  in  the  preparatory  school.  In  1853  he  went 
with  Marshall  College  as  it  was  removed  to  Lancaster 
and  united  with  Franklin  College  at  the  latter  place.  He 
was  graduated  from  the  college  in  the  spring  of  1850,  aud 
was  one  of  the  honor  men  of  his  class.  He  then  entered 
the  Theological  Seminary  at  Mercersburg,  aud  was  grad- 
uated from  it  in  1858.  He  was  examined  and  licensed 
by  Lebanon  Classis  on  May  17,  1858.  He  was  ordained 
by  East  Susquehanna  Classis,  at  Sunbury,  Pa.,  June  6, 
1858.  On  May  20  of  the  same  year  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Mary  M.  Mays.     Their  union  was  blessed  with  one 


ST.  John's  church.  289 

sou  and  one  danghter,  both  of  whom  are  living. — Dr. 
Steinmetz's  first  field  of  labor  was  the  Simbnry  charge, 
consisting  of  five  cougregatious,  where  he  labored  nearly 
four  years,  until  April,  1862.  At  this  time  he  became 
pastor  of  the  Danville  charge,  consisting  of  three  congre- 
gations, where  he  labored  13|  years.  During  his  pastor- 
ate at  Danville  Dr.  Steinmetz  served  as  financial  agent  of 
the  Seminary  at  Lancaster.  In  this  work  he  was  emi- 
nently successful,  and  collected  the  sum  of  ^36,000  for 
the  support  and  removal  of  the  Seminary  to  Lancaster. — 
In  October,  1875,  Dr.  Steinmetz  accepted  the  call  to  St. 
John's  church,  Reading,  and  preached  his  first  sermon 
here  on  the  tenth  day  of  that  month.  He  continued  in 
the  work  28|  years,  until  May  1,  1904,  when  he  retired 
on  account  of  ill  health.  The  honorary  degree  of  D.  D. 
was  conferred  upon  Dr.  Steinmetz  by  Franklin  and  Mar- 
shall College  in  1897.  In  1881  he  was  president  of  the 
Eastern  Synod,  which  held  its  sessions  in  Danville,  Pa. 
Before  coming  to  Reading  Dr.  Steinmetz  preached  over 
3600  sermons  and  delivered  about  1100  addresses  at 
prayer  meetings. 

Some  time  before  his  resignation.  Dr.  Steinmetz  and 
family  removed  from  the  parsonage  at  the  church  to  150 A 
West  Douglass  street,  where  he  resided  until  his  death. 
His  interest  in  the  work  of  the  Church  continued  unabated 
until  his  end. 

Dr.  Steinmetz  died  on  Tuesday  morning,  January  24, 
1905,  at  the  age  of  71  years  and  10  days.  He  was  sur- 
vived by  his  wife,  one  son,  one  daughter  and  several 
grandchildren.  His  funeral  on  January  28  was  largely 
attended.     The  services  were  held  in  St.  John's  church. 


290  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

All  the  services  were  in  charge  of  Rev.  T.  H.  Leiubach. 
About  thirty  ministers  were  present.  Short  sermons 
were  preached  by  Drs.  B.  Bailsman,  H.  Mosser  and  L.  K. 
Derr.  The  services  were  conducted  by  Eevs.  8.  R.  Bri- 
deubaugh,  D.  D.,  H.  Y.  Stoner,  Jas.  I.  Good,  D.  D.,  J. 
R.  Brown  and  J.  H.  Dubbs,  D.  D.  Dr.  J.  P.  Stein  read 
a  biographical  sketch  of  Dr.  Steinmetz,  Rev.  B.  T.  Cal- 
len  read  the  action  of  the  Reading  Ministerial  Asso- 
ciation, and  Rev.  C.  E.  Creitz  read  the  action  of  the  Re- 
formed Ministerial  Association.  Interment  on  Charles 
Evans'  cemetery. 

jNIrs.  Mary  M.,  widow  of  Dr.  Steinmetz,  did  not  long 
survive  her  husband.  She  died  on  Sunday,  April  16, 
1905,  at  the  age  of  70  years,  7  months  and  19  days.  Her 
funeral  took  place  on  AVeduesday,  April  19.  She  was 
buried  by  the  side  of  her  husband  on  Charles  Evans' 
cemetery.     Rev.  T.  H.  Leinbach  officiated. 

On  Feb.  23,  1904,  St.  John's  congregation  elected 
Rev.  Thomas  H.  Leinbach  to  the  pastorate.  He  accepted 
the  call,  and  entered  upon  the  work  on  May  1,  1904.  On 
this  day  he  was  installed  by  a  committee  of  Reading  Clas- 
sis,  consisting  of  Revs.  J.  W.  Steinmetz,  D.  D.,  C.  E. 
Creitz  and  C.  E.  Schaeffer.  On  this  occasion  Dr.  Stein- 
metz was  presented  with  twenty-nine  new  dollar  notes 
representing  the  number  of  years  he  served  the  congre- 
gation. 

Thomas  H.  Leinbach,  the  youngest  sonofElias  and 
Caroline  Leinbach,  was  born  at  Leinbach's,  Pa.,  June  3, 
1868.  He  prepared  for  college  at  the  Keystone  State  Nor- 
mal School,  entered  Franklin  and  Marshall  Colleire  in  18<S7, 
and  graduated    from   it  with   honors  in  1891.       Entering 


ST.  John's  church.  291 

Lancaster  Seminary  in  the  same  year,  he  graduated  from 
it  in  1894.  He  was  examined  and  licensed  by  Lebanon 
Classis  on  May  15,  1894.  Mr.  Leinbach  having  accepted 
a  call  from  the  Great  Swamp-Chestnut  Hill  charge,  he 
was  ordained  and  installed  by  a  committee  of  Goshenhop- 
pen  Classis,  consisting  of  Dr.  C.  Z.  Weiser,  Dr.  Eli  Kel- 
ler and  Rev.  J.  L.  Roush,  on  his  twenty-sixth  birthday 
anniversary,  June  3,  1894.  On  November  29,  1894,  he 
was  married  to  Katharine  E.  Miller,  of  Bernville.  Rev. 
Mr.  Leinbach  continued  in  his  first  charge  nearly  ten  years, 
during  which  time  almost  $7000  was  raised  for  benevo- 
lence and  more  than  $22,000  for  congregational  purposes. 
A  parsonage  was  also  erected  by  the  Great  Swamp  con- 
gregation at  a  cost  of  $2500,  and  the  church  remodelled  at 
a  cost  of  nearly  $4000.  Mr.  Leinbach  served  frequently 
as  a  delegate  to  the  Eastern  Synod,  and  in  1902  he  was 
elected  president  of  that  body. 

In  the  fall  of  1904  the  exterior  of  the  church  and 
parsonage  was  painted,  the  cost  of  which  was  borne  by  a 
friend  of  the  congregation. 

On  Sunday,  Jan.  9,  1905,  St.  John's  church  lost  one  of 
her  oldest  and  best  known  members  by  the  death  of  Sam. 
B.  Ruth,  in  his  86th  year.  He  was  born  in  1819,  came 
to  Reading  in  1835,  and  resided  here  nntil  his  end.  He 
was  during  21  years  employed  in  the    Reading  post-office. 

The  superintendents  of  St.  John's  Sunday  school  have 
been  :  Rev.  William  A.  Good,  J.  Allen  Riegel,  Wm.  E. 
Good,  Henry  H.  HoU,  Dr.  J.  W.  Steinmetz  and  Wm.  A. 
Levan,  the  latter  filling  the  office  at  this  time. 

One  of  the  many  good  results  of  the  great  Moody 
meetings  in  Reading  in  the  early  80's  was  the  organiza- 


292  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

tioa  of  a  Young  Men's  Association  in  St.  Jolin's  church 
by  Dr.  J.  W.  Steinmetz.  The  first  years  were  years  of 
struggle  for  existence,  but  the  work  was  carried  on  until 
Sept.  4,  1881),  when  the  young  men's  society  gave  way  to 
the  Young  People's  Society.  The  society  holds  devotional 
meetings  every  Sunday  evening  one  hour  before  church 
services,  except  during  the  months  of  July  and  August. 

The  officers  of  St.  John's  church  in  1905  were  :  Eld- 
ers, Henry  E.  Hafer,  Cyrus  D.  Moyer,  James  M.  Roth- 
ermel,  Wilson  B.  Hauck;  deacons,  William  A.  Levau, 
Wilson  J.  Clay,  Jeiferson  F.  Rhoads,  Alviu  E.  Palm,  Ja- 
cob W.  Strunk,  Howard  Moser;  trustees,  Chas.W.  Smith, 
Irvin  AV.  Reeser,  Fred.  Haag ;  consistorial  officers.  Presi- 
dent, Rev.  Thos.  H.  Leinbach  ;  recording  secretary,  Wm. 
A.  Levan  ;  financial  secretary,  Wilson  J.  Clay  ;  treasurer, 
Alvin  E.  Palm  ;  organist,  Irvin  D.  E,  Swartz ;  janitor, 
Charles  Gauster. 

In  1905  St.  John's  congregation  numbered  543  mem- 
ber, and  its  Sunday  «chool  490  members. 


SECTION  IV. 

ST.  PAUL'S  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

(Fourth  Congregation.) 

Like  that  of  the  Second  congregation  the  history  of  St. 
Paul's  congregation  is  interwoven  with  the  history  of  the 
First  church,  and  even  more  so.  Practically  nine  years 
elapsed  from  the  time  of  the  first  inception  of  the  move- 
ment to  the  organization  of  the  congregation,  A  vast  deal 
of  time,  thought  and  care  were  required  before  the  move- 
ment was  consummated  which  resulted  in  the  orji-anization 
of  St.  Paul's  church. 

When  Dr.  B.  Bausman  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of 
the  First  churcli  in  1863,  it  was  more  or  less  distinctly 
understood  that  there  was  to  be  a  new  English  congrega- 
tion. The  first  congregation  with  1000  members  was  too 
large  for  one  pastor,  and  it  was  felt  that  the  proper  devel- 
opment of  the  Reformed  Church  in  the  city  required  an- 
other English  flock.  At  that  time  there  were  only  two 
Reformed  churches  here — the  First  and  the  Second.  But 
the  task  of  organizing  another  congregation  was  much 
greater  and  more  difficult  than  any  one  then  anticipated. 
And  meanwhile  St.  John's  church  was  organized,  which 
had  not  been  thought  of  in  1863. 

The  first  official  step  for  a  new  congregation  was  taken 
by  the  First  church  consistory  on  Dec.  4,  1865,  when  a 
meeting  of  the  congregation  was  called  for  Jan.  1,  18(i6, 
at  2  p.  m.,  "  to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  ap- 


294  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

plying  to  the  Legislature  for  authority  to  sell  a  portion  of 
the  ground  belonging  to  the  congregation,  the  proceeds  to 
be  applied  to  the  building  of  another  house  of  worship  for 
the  use  of  this  congregation,  whenever  it  may  be  consid- 
ered necessary  or  expedient  by  a  majority  of  the  congrega- 
tion." The  congregation  met  on  January  1,  and  after  a 
lengthy  discussion  resolved  that  the  chairman  appoint  a 
com.mittee  of  seven  to  ascertain  the  probable  value  of  the 
ground  occupied  as  the  graveyard,  and  also  the  cost  of  re- 
moving the  dead  and  purchasing  a  lot  in  Charles  Evans' 
Cemetery  for  their  reinterment.  The  committee  was  also 
to  ascertain  how  much  money  could  be  secured  for  a 
new  church,  and  to  report  at  an  adjourned  meeting  of 
the  congregation  to  be  held  on  the  evening  of  Jan.  15. 
The  committee  consisted  of  A.  F.  Boas,  Isaac  McHose, 
Jos.  S.  Hover,  Peres  Hain,  Henry  Fry,  Cyrus  Rick  and 
Jacob  R.  Ritter.  Of  these  only  Messrs.  McHose  and 
Ritter  are  still  living. 

At  the  adjourned  meeting  on  Jan.  15  the  committee 
reported  that  the  estimated  cost  of  removing  the  dead  and 
purchasing  a  lot  on  the  cemetery  would  be  about  $3000; 
that  the  graveyard  could  be  divided  into  twelve  lots  of  20 
feet  front  each — four  of  tli'm  110  feet,  and  eight  230  feet 
in  depth,  leaving  27  feet  west  and  13  feet  north  of  the 
church.  The  market  value  of  the  lots  was  placed  at  $24,- 
000.     Further  action  was  postponed  until  January  22. 

On  Jan.  22,  186G,  the  congregation  by  a  vote  of  48  to 
18  decided  against  selling  the  graveyard  and  using  the 
proceeds  for  the  erection  of  a  new  church.  The  first 
effort  in  this  direction  ended  in  failure,  but  the  movement 
had  been  started,  and  it  was  not  allowed  to  rest  long. 


ST.  Paul's  church.  295 

On  April  2,  186(i,  the  cousistory  again  took  up  the 
project  of  a  new  church.  It  called  a  congregational  meet- 
ing for  the  evening  of  April  16  to  consider  a  proposition 
for  the  erection  of  a  new  house  of  worship.  It  also 
appointed  a  committee  of  five  to  prepare  a  plan  for  the 
proposed  new  ciiurch  and  report  on  the  evening  of  April 
7.  This  committee  consisted  of  Joseph  S.  Hoyer,  Samuel 
Hull,  Adam  Leize,  George  Gehman  and  Isaac  McHose. 
On  the  latter  date  the  committee  reported  a  preamble  and 
resolutions  to  be  presented  to  the  congregation,  which 
were  approved  by  the  cousistory. 

At  the  congregational  meeting  on  the  evening  of  April 
16  the  consistory  submitted  the  following  paper: 

Whereas,  The  congregation  of  the  First  German  Re- 
formed church  has  increased  so  much  in  its  membership 
that  it  is  now  impossible  to  accommodate  all  who  make 
application  for  pews  and  desire  seats  in  the  church,  thus 
causing  unpleasantness  on  the  part  of  the  pastor,  officers 
and  church-going  people.     And 

Whereas,  The  alternate  English  and  German  preach- 
ing in  the  First  church  being  very  laborious  for  the  pas- 
tor and  in  many  cases  inconvenient  to  the  })eople,  and 
under  these  cirumstances  causing  it  to  be  exceedingly 
detrimental  to  the  welfare  and  Christian  prosperity  of  the 
church.     Therefore 

Resolved,  That  the  time  has  come,  and  experience 
teaches  this  consistory  continually  that  measures  must  be 
taken  and  arrangements  made  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  church-attending  community,  as  the  lambs  cannot  be 
fed  when  there  is  no  room  in  the  fold. 

Reso/ved.  That  the  cousistory  of  the  First  German 
Reformed  congregation  is  hereby  instructed  to  appoint 
persons  to  take  subscriptions  for  the  purpose  of  raising 
money,  and   also   be   empowered    to  build    an    additional 


296  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

church  edifice,  iu  which  the  worship  shall  be  conducted 
exchisively  iu  the  German  language,  unless  otherwise 
decided  and  directed  by  the  Lebanon  Classis  at  any  future 
time. 

Risoli-"'!.  That  the  new  church  shall  be  built  on  the 
north  end  of  the  First  German  Reformed  graveyard  ou  a 
lot  eighty  feet  front  on  Sixth  street,  by  one  hundred  and 
thirty  feet  in  depth  east  and  west,  and  shall  be  free  from 
debt,  and  no  incumbrance  shall  rest  thereon  at  the  time 
when  said  German  congregation  shall  be  organized.  Pro- 
vided that  if  any  debt  shall  remain  unpaid  in  consequence 
of  erecting  said  church,  such  debt  shall  rest  ou  the  prop- 
erty then  remaining  with  the  First  church. 

After  considering  the  subject  for  some  time,  the  con- 
gregatiou  adopted  the  proposition  by  a  vote  of  54  to  37. 
A  start  had  now  been  made,  but  it  was  at  once  realized 
that  an  error  had  been  committed — that  it  was  not  the 
proper  thing  to  send  the  German  people,  the  aged  fathers 
and  mothers,  out  of  the  old  home,  and  have  their  children 
remain  in  it.  Already  at  a  special  meeting  of  the  consis- 
tory ou  April  23,  just  one  week  after  the  above  action, 
the  members  reported  that  it  was  the  general  feeling  ot 
the  congregation  that  a  new  church  should  be  erected  for 
the  use  of  the  English  people,  and  that  the  old  church 
should  remain  for  the  use  of  the  German  people.  AVhere- 
upon  a  committee  of  six  persons — three  representing  the 
English  and  three  the  German  people — was  appointed  to 
ascertain  the  views  of  the  people,  and,  in  case  it  should  be 
desired,  to  present  a  petition  to  the  consistory,  to  alter, 
change  or  amend  the  recent  action  of  the  congregation. 
On  Oct.  1,  1866,  the  consistory  received  a  petition  signed 
by  76  members  of  the  congregation,  in  which  it  is  stat(  d 
that  a  change  has  taken  place  in  the  views   of  the   people 


ST.  Paul's  church.  297 

in  reference  to  the  action  taken  on  April  16,  that  the  peti- 
tioners firmly  believe  that  it  would  be  for  the  best  inter- 
ests of  the  people  of  both  languages  to  erect  a  new  church 
for  the  English  members  and  leave  the  old  church  for  the 
use  of  the  (iernian  people.  They  proposed  another  con- 
gregational meeting  to  reconsider  the  former  action,  and 
to  adopt  measures  to  erect  a  new  church  for  the  English 
members,  and  that  the  church  property  be  so  divided  that 
sufficient  space  be  left  to  the  old  church  for  free  and  easy 
ingress  and  egress  and  for  ventilation,  and  that  the  new 
congregation  take  the  balance  of  the  property  and  with 
the  aid  of  the  German  members  erect  a  church  at  some 
suitable  place.  Acting  upon  this  petition,  the  consistory 
on  Nov.  17  called  a  congregational  meeting  for  Dec.  10, 
186(3,  for  the  purpose  named. 

On  Dec.  10  the  congregation  by  a  vote  of  31  to  12 
adopted  these  resolutions : 

JReso/verf,  That  the  ground  belonging  to  this  congrega- 
tion, exce])ting  27  feet  adjoining  the  west  end,  and  13  feet 
adjoining  the  north  end  of  this  church,  be  sold,  and  the 
proceeds  applied  to  the  building  and  furnishing  of  an 
English  house  of  worship  at  some  suitable  place,  and  that 
the  additional  funds  needed  for  the  purpose  be  collected 
by  the  members  of  this  congregation. 

R'. voiced,  That  in  case  the  ai)ove  resolution  receives  a 
majority  of  votes,  the  decision  of  the  election  held  on 
April  16,  1866,  be  declared  null  and  void. 

Another  beginning  for  a  new  church  had  been  made, 
as  above  indicated.  But  it  is  much  easier  to  adopt  reso- 
lutions than  to  carry  them  into  effect.  Much  time  was 
spent  in  discussing  plans  and  location.  Where  should 
the  new  English  church  be  located,  after  what  plan 
20 


298  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

should  it  be  erected,  and  what  sliould  be  the  cost  ?  Tliese 
were  important  problems  which  required  much  earnest 
thinking.  Naturally  there  were  various  views  expressed 
as  to  how  the  great  work  should  be  carried  out.  The 
consistory  held  frequent  meetings,  and  considered  all  plaaas 
presented. 

In  the  early  part  of  1861)  an  act  was  passed  by  the 
Legislature  to  enable  the  congregation  to  sell  the  grave- 
yard and  use  the  proceeds  for  the  erection  of  a  new  church. 
The  congregation  on  March  22,  1869,  by  a  vote  of  89  to 
31,  decided  to  sell  the  ground.  The  following  building 
committee  was  appointed  :  Isaac  McHose,  A.  F.  Boas, 
Adam  Leize,  Samuel  L.  Youug,  G.  William  Clewcll  and 
Levi  Quier.  Many  locations  for  the  new  church  were 
suggested  and  considered.  The  Parker  property  (Potter's 
Field)  o})posite  St.  John's  German  Lutheran  church,  was 
purchased  for  §18,000,  but  the  title  was  defective,  and 
the  property  was  not  accepted. 

On  March  6,  1871,  the  building  committee  was  in- 
structed to  proceed  with  the  erection  of  the  church  on  the 
northwestern  part  of  the  church  ground.  Mr.  E.  F. 
Diirang  was  employed  to  prepare  a  plan.  He  submitted 
a  plan  for  a  church  with  640  seats,  with  an  end  gallery, 
and  a  Sunday  school  chapel  in  the  rear.  The  estimated 
cost  was  |50,000.  The  plan  was  adopted  on  May  3, 1871, 
and  the  church  was  erected  according  to  it,  but  the  cost 
far  exceeded  the  estimate. 

This  was  a  busy  time  for  all  concerned.  The  work 
involved  a  vast  deal  of  attention  and  labor  on  the  part  of 
the  building  committee,  but  they  bestowed  both  liberally, 
besides  contributing  largely  of  their  means  for  tiie  erec- 
tion of  the  church. 


ST.  Paul's  church.  299 

What  should  be  the  name  of  the  new  church?  After 
consideriug  various  tilles,  tliis  oue  was  uuanimously 
adopted  :  "  St.  Paul's  Memorial  Reformed  Cliur*  h."  The 
word  memorial  was  used  in  memory  of  the  many  Re- 
formed peo})le  who  had  labored  here  and  were  buried  on 
the  site  of  the  new  church. 

Ground  for  the  new  church  was  broken  in  the  early 
spring  of  1871.  The  corner-stone  of  the  church  was  laid 
on  August  27,  1871.  The  usual  articles  were  deposited 
in  the  stone — a  paper  prepared  by  the  pastor  giving  the 
history  of  the  movement  for  the  erection  of  the  church,  a 
Bible,  catechism,  constitution,  church  papers,  list  of  names 
of  all  Reformed  Sunday  school  scholars  in  Reading,  a 
picture  of  the  stone  church  erected  in  1761.  In  the  fore- 
noon Rev.  T.  G.  Apple,  D.  D.,  preached  the  sermon  in 
the  first  church.  In  the  afternoon  a  procession,  led  by 
the  ministers,  marched  from  the  First  church  to  the  floor 
of  the  new  building.  The  Sunday  schools  sang  hymns 
during  the  marching.  After  prayer  by  Dr.  D.  Zacharias, 
Dr.  B.  Bausman  formally  laid  the  corner-stone.  Just  at 
this  point  there  was  a  terrific  thunder  clap  out  of  a  clear 
sky,  and  in  a  short  time  a  heavy  rain  fell.  The  people 
returned  to  the  First  church,  where  Dr.  John  W. 
Neviu  preached  a  sermon.  In  the  evening  Dr.  D.  Zach- 
arias preached  the  sermon.  Dr.  Zacharias  had  also 
])reached  at  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  present 
First  church  in  1832.  His  ancestors  were  members  of 
the  First  church  a  hundred  years  before.  At  this  time 
Dr.  Zacharias  was  the  only  Reformed  minister  still  living 
of  those  who  were  present  at  the  corner-stone  laying  of 
1832.     Besides  those  mentioned,  there  were  also  present 


300  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

at  the  corner-stone  laying  of  St.  Paul's  church  Revs.  Dr. 
C.  F.  McCauley,  A.  S.  Iveinbach,  D.  B.  Albright,  F.  K. 
Levan,  C.  Kessler  and  J.  B.  Poeruer.  Of  these  only  Mr. 
Albright  is  still  living.  According  to  the  plan  adopted, 
the  church  proper  was  to  be  62  by  100  feet  in  size,  and 
the  Sunday  school  chapel  44  by  80  feet. 

Following  is  a  copy  of  the  paper  deposited  in  the 
corner-stone,  as  above  referred  to  : 

The  First  (German)  Reformed  congregation  of  Reading, 
Pa  ,  having  found  it  necessary  to  secure  ample  room  and  more 
frequent  religious  services  for  its  EogHsh  members,  resolved, 
through  its  consistory,  at  a  meeting  held  March  (i,  1871,  that 
a  suitable  church  edifice,  for  the  use  of  the  said  English  mem- 
bers, should  be  erected  on  the  uorthwest  portion  of  its  grave- 
yard. In  accordance  with  this  action  a  building  committee 
was  appointed,  consistiug  of  Isaac  McHose,  A.  F.  Boas,  Adam 
Leize,  Samuel  L  Young,  William  Clewell  and  Levi  Quier. 
Agreeably  to  the  instructions  of  the  consistory,  this  committee 
proceeded  with  the  erection  of  the  new  church,  under  the 
direction  of  E.  F,  Durang  as  architect,  the  corner-stone  of 
which  is  now  to  be  laid. 

This  house  of  God  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of  "  The 
St.  PauVs  Memorial  Reformed  Church."  Its  congregation 
shall  be  in  connection  with  aud  under  the  government  and 
authority  of  the  Reformed  Church  of  the  United  States,  hold- 
ing the  Heidelberg  Catechii-m  as  its  symbol  of  doctrine,  aud 
the  Holy  Scriptures  as  the  divinely  revealed  will  of  God. 
This  church  shall  l)e  used  and  used'  only  for  the  worship  of 
God— the  preaching  of  His  Word,  the  administration  of  the 
holy  sacraments,  aud  the  ordinances  of  His  appointment. 

This  congregation  erects  this  sacred  edifice  in  memory  of 
the  pious  and  past  generations,  who  lived  and  labored  to 
establish  and  adorn  the  pure  doctrines  of  the  Reformed  faith 
in  this  city.  It  is  built  as  a  memorial  of  our  sainted  breth- 
ren, whose  worship  for  a  period  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
years  has  consecrated  the  mother  of  the  Reformed  churches  of 
Reading.  Gentle  hands  and  mournful  hearts  laid  many  of 
them  to  rest  iu  this  consecrated  earth.     Although   by  rever- 


ST.  Paul's  chuech.  301 

end  bauds  their  dust  has  been  removed  to  another  place,  in 
Older  to  make  room  for  the  erection  of  this  church,  in  this 
holy  temple  their  hallowed  memory  shall  be  embalmed,  and 
their  acts  of  worship  perpetuated  through  coming  ages.  The 
resting  place  of  the  dead  shall  be  reconsecrated  for  the  wor- 
ship and  glory  of  God  by  the  living,  and  for  their  salvation. 
May  here  the  faith  and  piety  of  the  fathers  become  the  inher- 
itance of  the  children,  to  the  latest  generations,  where,  though 
dead,  they  shall  continue  to  speak  in  the  life  and  worship  of 
coming  ages.  May  He  here  rear  unto  Himself  a  glorious 
spiritual  temple  built  of  the  lively  stones  of  regenerated  and 
sanctified  souls.  Thus  shall  it  be  held  sacred  to  the  memory 
of  those  who  sleep  in  God. 

By  grace  this  holy  temple  is  to  be  a  house  and  centre  of 
love  to  the  posterity  of  those  who  have  gone  before  us  ;  a  spir- 
itual dwelling  place  to  all  who  here  may  seek  and  find  the 
Savior  of  the  world.  Thus  shall  it  become  a  memorial  of  the 
past,  a  bond  of  communion  for  the  present,  a  means  of  bliss- 
ful hope  for  the  future — a  vital  chain  uniting  the  saints  on 
earth  and  all  the  dead  in  loving  and  immortal  fellowship. 

We  would  build  this  church  to  perpetuate  the  life-giving 
blessings  of  our  holy  religion.  May  the  angel  of  the  ever- 
lasting covenant  watch  over  this  holy  place,  and  perpetually 
breathe  upon  it  the  spirit  of  peace  and  good-will  among  men. 
May  it  be  made  a  spiritual  City  of  Refuge — an  Ark  of  Safety 
wherein  multitudes  of  immortal  beings  shall  be  borne  unto 
the  haven  of  the  saints'  everlasting  rest. 

Here  we  will  build  an  altar  wherein  to  enshrine  God's 
saving  presence — a  Shekinah  unto  His  people — "a  House  of 
God  and  the  gate  of  heaven."  In  this  sacred  edifice  we  wish 
to  embody  our  gratitude  to  God  for  the  gift  of  His  adorable 
Son,  Jesus  Christ,  through  whom  life  and  immortality  have 
been  brought  to  light,  and  in  whose  salvation  He  permitted 
us  to  have  part.  Herewith  and  herein  we  would  henceforth 
praise  Him  for  the  great  grace  and  many  gifts  bestowed  on 
those  who  have  died  in  the  Lord,  and  now  live  with  Him  for- 
ever. In  the  presence  of  and  in  union  with  those  who  have 
gone  before  us  in  the  way  of  salvation,  by  whom  we  are  now 
compassed  about,  as  a  cloud  of  witnesses  looking  down  upon 
us  from  the  heavenly  world,  we  lay  the  corner-stone   of  this 


302  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

house  of  God,  beseeching  Him  for  the  sake  of  His  Son,  Jesus 
Christ,  to  grant  us  grace,  that  we  may  enter  at  death  into 
their  joy,  and  so  abide  with  them  in  rest  and  {)eace,  till  both 
they  and  we  shall  reach  our  common  consummation  of  re- 
demption and  bliss,  in  the  glorious  resurrection  of  the  last 
day.     Amen. 

Done  this  twenty-seventh  day  of  August,  A.  D.  1S71 — the 
95th  year  of  our  National  Independence — Ulysses  S.  Grant 
being  President  of  the  United  States,  and  John  W.  Geary 
Governor  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania. 

[Signed  by  the  consistory  and  building  committee] 

The  work  was  pushed  as  rapidly  as  possible.  The  old 
church  yard  presented  a  busy  scene  of  stone  cutters,  car- 
penters and  brick  layers  at  work.  Much  difficulty  was 
encountered  in  securing  a  good  foundation  for  the  large 
tower.  The  sandy  soil  was  excavated  to  the  depth  of 
about  thirty  feet,  but  no  rock  could  be  found.  Therefore 
an  artificial  rock  was  constructed  of  concrete.  Three  hun- 
dred barrels  of  cement  were  used  for  this  purpose. 

In  June  of  1872  the  consistory  directed  Dr.  Bausn)an 
to  commence  holding  English  services  twice  a  Sunday  in 
the  new  chapel  as  soon  as  finished. 

On  Sunday,  August  18,  1872,  the  chapel  of  the  new 
church  was  dedicated.  This  was  an  interesting  and  joy- 
ous occasion.  The  great  work  for  which  many  had 
labored  so  earnestly  and  long,  was  now  largely  completed. 
The  chapel  was  crowded  three  times  during  the  day.  In 
the  morning  Rev.  W.  K.  Zieber,  D.  D.,  of  Hanover  Pa., 
preached  the  sermon,  after  which  Dr.  B.  Bausman  form- 
ally dedicated  the  chapel.  In  the  afternoon  a  union  ser- 
vice of  the  several  Retbrmed  Sunday  schools  in  the  city 
was  held  in  the  new  chapel.  But  there  was  not  room 
enough  for  all,  so  an  overflow  meeting  was    held    in    the 


ST.  i'aul's  church.  303 

unfinished  main  audience  room.  Dr.  W.  K.  Zieber  and 
Dr.  J.  O.  Miller  delivered  addresses  and  related  numer- 
ous incidents  connected  with  the  old  union  school  in  the 
court  house  and  the  Reformed  school  in  the  cellar  of  the 
First  church.  Both  speakers  were  sous  of  the  First 
church,  and  attended  the  latter  school.  Dr.  Miller 
preached  the  sermon  in  the  evening. 

After  the  dedication  of  the  chapel  Dr.  Bausman  at 
once  commenced  to  hold  regular  services  twice  a  Sunday, 
as  directed  by  the  consistory  of  the  First  church.  Rev. 
John  S.  Stahr,  D.  D.,  of  Franklin  and  Marshall  College, 
was  called  as  assistant  pastor,  and  ministered  to  the  peo- 
ple of  the  First  church. 

On  Sept.  23,  1872,  the  building  committee  presented 
a  statement  showing  that  the  sum  of  $56,296.75  had  been 
expended  on  the  building.  The  front  part  was  under 
roof  and  the  chapel  finished.  There  was  a  debt  of  nearly 
^27,000.  The  consistory  unanimously  resolved  that  when 
the  new  congregation  would  be  organized,  the  debt  in- 
curred by  the  erection  of  the  new  church  should  rest  en- 
tirely upon  that  church,  and  not  on  the  old  church. 

On  Nov.  18,  1872,  the  First  Reformed  congregation 
unanimously  voted  to  convey  the  ground  and  property 
of  the  new  church,  100  feet  front  on  Sixth  street  by  230 
feet  in  depth,  to  the  new  St.  Paul's  congregation,  upon 
the  condition  that  St.  Paul's  church  assume  all  liability 
connected  with  the  purchase  of  the  Parker  lot,  the  valid- 
ity of  whose  title  was  disputed. 

So  far  the  work  had  been  carried  forward  by  the  First 
church.  The  lots  had  been  sold,  and  the  proceeds,  after 
paying  all  expenses,  were  used  in  the  erection  of  the   new 


304  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

cliureli.  Here  is  an  instance  of  a  lari^e  cluircli  being 
erected  before  a  congregation  had  been  organized.  The 
same  was  later  done  in  the  case  of  St.  Stephen's,  Calvary, 
St.  Andrew's  and  several  other  churches. 

St.  Paul's  congregation  was  organized  by  Dr.  Bans- 
man  on  Dec.  26,  1872,  with  204  members,  of  whom  198 
had  been  members  of  the  old  mother  church.  These  offi- 
cers were  elected :  Elders,  Daniel  Weitzel,  Isaac  Mc- 
Hose,  L.  B.  Paxson,  Louis  Heilman,  Francis  Roland  and 
Peter  D.  Getz ;  deacons,  James  L.  Ellis,  Samuel  M.  Koss, 
C.  K.  Whituer,  Levi  Quier,  Isaac  Ritter  and  Isaac  From. 
Of  these  the  brethren  McHose,  Paxson,  Whitner,  Quier 
and  Ritter  are  still  living.  The  new  flock  grew  rapidly, 
and  at  the  close  of  its  first  year  numbered  420  members. 

On  January  (3,  1873,  St.  Paul's  congregation  unani- 
mously elected  Dr.  B.  Bansman  as  its  pastor.  He  re- 
signed the  pastorate  of  the  First  church,  which  had  con- 
tinued over  nine  years,  and  accepted  the  call  of  St.  Paul's 
church.  He  was  installed  on  Sunday,  Feb.  23,  1873,  by 
a  committee  of  Lebanon  Classis,  consisting  of  Revs.  Chas. 
H.  Leinbach,  D.  D.,  Wm.  M.  Reily  and  Daniel  K  Al- 
bright. Dr.  J5ausman  lias  continued  in  this  position  ever 
since.      He  has  labored  in  Reading  forty-two  years. 

On  January  15,  1873,  a  congregational  missionary 
society  was  organized.  This  society  is  within  nine  days 
as  old  as  the  congregation.  It  holds  monthly  meetings, 
and  has  contributed  a  large  amount  of  money  for  the 
cause  of  missions. 

On  Sunday,  January  20,  1873,  the  sexton,  Mr.  Gid- 
eon Knabb,  made  a  most  important  discovery  in  the  cellar 
of  the  unfinished  church.     He  found  a  package  of  securi- 


ST.  Paul's  church.  305 

ties  to  the  value  of  $125,000,  cousistiug  of  honds,  mort- 
gages, etc.  These  securities,  together  witli  $40, 000  in 
cash,  had  a  few  days  before  been  stolen  from  the  Mechan- 
ics' Bank  in  Lancaster  during  the  noon  hour.  The  securi- 
ties were  returned  to  the  bank,  and  Mr.  Knabb  received  a 
suitable  reward.  These  securities  were  of  no  value  to  the 
thieves,  as  they  could  not  have  them  converted  into  cash. 
The  thieves  no  doubt  placed  them  where  they  expected 
them  to  be  found  and  restored  to  the  owner. 

For  certain  reasons  St.  Paul's  congregation  did  not  at 
once  organize  a  Sunday  school.  In  nearly  all  other  in- 
stances the  Reading  Reformed  congregations  were  devel- 
oped from  Sunday  schools,  but  not  so  with  St.  Paul's 
church.  During  six  months  after  the  organization  of  St. 
Paul's  congregation  those  members  coming  from  the  Sun- 
day school  of  the  First  church,  continued  in  that  connec- 
tion. 

St.  Paul's  Sunday  school  was  organized  in  its  cha|)el 
on  Sunday,  July  6,  1873.  It  was  started  with  38  teach- 
ers, only  a  few  of  whom  are  still  connected  with  the  school. 
The  school  was  from  the  beginning  under  the  care  and 
direction  of  a  Board  of  Control,  consisting  of  thirteen 
members — six  from  the  school  and  six  from  the  consis- 
tory, and  the  pastor  as  president.  The  school  has  always 
been  most  intimately  connected  with  the  congregation. 
The  first  officers  were  these  :  Superintendent,  J.  B.  Frick- 
er ;  superintendent  of  primary  department,  Mrs.  R.  V. 
R.  Fry ;  secretary,  Geo.  W.  Wagner ;  assistant,  J.  C. 
Hoifeditz ;  treasurer,  H.  C.  McCauley  ;  librarian,  Levi 
Quier  ;  assistants,  John  C.  Fry,  Dan.  C.  Roland,  Ambrose 
McHose,   Philip   Boyer ;  directresses,  Mrs.    S.    J.   Mull, 


306  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Mrs.  Levi  Quier  ;  ushers,  Isaac  Ritter,  Gideon  Knabb. 
Of  these  only  Mr.  Fricker  is  still  connected  with  the 
school.  Five  others  have  died,  and  others  have  left  the 
city.  The  superintendents  from  the  beginning  to  the 
present  time  have  been:  J.  B.  Fricker,  1873  to  1878; 
Jefferson  Snyder,  1878  to  1897  ;  J.  B.  Fricker,  1897  to 
1901  ;  Rev.  C.  E.  Creitz,  1901  to  date.  In  June,  1901, 
Mr.  Fricker  asked  to  be  relieved  of  the  superintendency, 
and  that  a  younger  man  be  elected.  This  wish  was 
granted.  Mr.  Fricker  has  always  led  the  singing,  and  is 
now  musical  director.  The  superintendents  of  the  pri- 
mary department  have  been  :  Mrs.  R.  V.  R.  Fry,  Mrs. 
S.  J.  Mull,  Miss  Sarah  R.  Dechant  and  Mrs.  B.  Baus- 
man.  Each  of  the  former  three  served  until  their  re- 
moval from  the  city,  and  the  latter  was  elected  on  Jan. 
31,  1897. 

St.  Paul's  school  has  a  noble  history.  This  is  re- 
cited in  the  following  pages,  in  chronological  order.  The 
school  has  in  a  high  sense  been  a  nursery  to  the  church, 
as  will  be  observed.  About  700  of  its  members  have 
become  members  of  the  congregation.  The  school  has 
always  been  noted  for  its  liberality.  It  always  })aid  its 
own  expenses,  gave  thousands  of  dollars  to  benevolence, 
and  during  many  years  aided  the  congregation  in  meeting 
its  current  expenses.  It  also  gave  thousands  of  dollars 
toward  the  church  debt.  In  1899  the  school  organized  a 
home  department,  which  still  flourishes,  and  in  1901  in- 
troduced the  new  Sunday  School  Hymnal. 

Ex-judge  Daniel  Young  had  been  one  of  the  most  ac- 
tive members  of  the  First  church.  Pie  had  frequently 
served  the  congregation  as  church  organist  during   vacan- 


ST.  Paul's  church.  307 

cies  and  often  at  weekly  meetings,  and  was  treasurer  from 
1864  to  1872.  He  was  greatly  interested  in  the  erection 
of  St.  Paul's  church,  and  often  expressed  the  wish  to  live 
until  its  completion.  His  wish  was  partly  gratified.  He 
saw  the  chapel  completed,  and  was  one  of  the  charter 
members  of  the  new  congregation.  He  served  as  treas- 
urer of  the  new  church  until  his  death.  He  died  on  July 
27,  1873,  and  was  one  of  the  first  persons  to  be  buried 
from  the  new  chapel. 

Soon  after  the  dedication  of  the  chapel  the  work  of 
completing  the  audience  room  was  continued.  The  dedi- 
cation of  the  completed  church  took  place  on  Sunday, 
February  15,  1874,  almost  three  years  after  ground  had 
been  broken  for  its  erection.  It  was  a  day  of  rejoicing. 
The  great  work  had  at  last  been  completed.  Three  ser- 
vices were  held  on  that  day,  and  each  time  the  church 
was  overcrowded.  In  the  morning  Dr.  T.  G.  Apple 
preached  the  sermon  in  the  chapel.  (He  had  preached  in 
the  morning  of  August  27,  1871,  when  the  corner-stone 
was  laid.)  The  dedication  took  place  in  the  afternoon  at 
two  o'clock,  conducted  by  Dr.  B.  Bausman.  Among  the 
large  congregation  were  twenty  ministers.  Dr.  E.  E.  Hig- 
bee  preached  the  sermon.  Dr.  J.  W.  Nevin,  who  had 
also  preached  at  the  corner-stone  laying,  led  in  prayer, 
and  Dr.  S.  R.  Fisher  pronounced  the  benediction.  In 
the  evening  Dr.  C.  Z.  Weiser  preached  the  sermon.  All 
of  the  persons  named  have  since  then  entered  into  rest. 

The  new  church  presented  a  magnificent  appearance, 
and  was  greatly  admired.  The  audience  room  is  60  by 
99  feet  in  size,  with  an  end  gallery.  The  ceiling  is  arched 
and  57  feet  high  at  the  highest  point.     The  beautiful  large 


308 


HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 


ST.   PAUL'S  REFORMED  CHURCH. 


ST.    PAUI.'S    CHURCH.  309 

stained  glass  windows  are  all  memorials.  The  large  one 
in  the  tower  is  particularly  fine.  The  room  is  finished  in 
hard  wood.  The  102  pews  seating  about  700  persons  are 
of  solid  walnut.  The  pulpit  recess  is  very  large,  and  its 
frescoings  contain  life-size  figures  of  Christ  and  the  apos- 
tles Paul,  Peter,  John  and  Andrew.  Similar  figures  of 
the  apostles  adorn  the  walls  between  the  windows.  The 
pulpit,  altar,  reading  desk,  chancel,  railing  and  furniture 
are  of  solid  walnut.  To  the  north  of  the  pujpit  is  a  splen- 
did organ,  which  cost  $5500.  At  the  time  of  its  erection 
there  was  no  other  organ  superior  to  it  in  Reading.  From 
the  centre  of  the  ceiling  is  suspended  a  large  and  magnifi- 
cent chandelier,  with  64  burners,  which  lights  almost  the 
entire  room.  The  style  of  the  church  is  Gothic.  The 
front,  all-around  base  and  tower  are  of  sandstone  ;  the  bal- 
ance of  brick,  and  slate  roof.  The  chapel  was  44  by  80 
feet,  finished  in  chestnut  and  oak.  At  the  southern  end 
there  was  a  room  for  the  primary  department,  which  was 
separated  from  the  main  department  by  a  glass  partition. 
At  the  same  end  were  two  small  galleries,  one  above  the 
other.  The  first  gallery  was  for  the  use  of  the  consistory, 
societies,  Bible  class,  etc.  There  are  three  entrances  at 
the  front  of  the  church. 

The  congregation  was  treated  to  a  general  surprise  at 
the  time  of  the  dedication  of  the  new  church.  On  account 
of  the  large  cost  of  the  building  and  the  hard  times  then 
prevailing,  the  consistory  hesitated  to  contract  for  an  or- 
gan. However,  it  was  felt  that  without  an  organ  the 
church  would  be  incomplete,  and  the  organ  was  ordered. 
All  were  highly  pleased  with  the  splendid  instrument,  but 
how  was  provision  for  its  payment  to  be  made  ?     It  was  a 


310  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

difficult  problem.  After  the  dedication  Dr.  Bailsman 
called  a  meeting  of  the  consistory  for  this  purpose,  when, 
to  the  great  and  most  agreeable  surprise  of  all,  the  manu- 
facturer handed  over  a  receipt  in  full  for  the  organ  !  A 
member  had  paid  the  $5500.  This  was  Mr.  Isaac  Mc- 
Hose,  who  had  taken  a  prominent  and  active  part  in  every 
movement  for  a  new  congregation  and  a  new  church.  By 
this  generous  act  he  lifted  a  large  load  from  the  heavily 
burdened  congregation.  Mr.  McHose  is  still  living,  and 
has  been  permitted  to  hear  the  sweet  notes  of  the  organ 
during  more  than  thirty  years. 

The  dedication  services  were  continued  on  five  even- 
ings following,  with  sermons  by  Drs.  T.  G.  Apple,  W.  E. 
Krebs,  D.  M.  Wolff,  John  S.  Stahr  and  F.  W.  Kremer. 

The  entire  cost  of  the  church  was  about  S 90,000,  which 
was  nearly  twice  the  original  estimate.  The  work  was 
performed  during  high  times,  which  accounted  for  the 
great  cost.  Besides  this  the  financial  panic  of  1878  came 
when  tlie  ciiurch  was  about  completed.  Many  peo})le  lost 
their  employment  or  had  their  wages  reduced,  and  business 
men  generally  found  their  income  greatly  curtailed.  Un- 
der these  circumstances  the  debt  became  a  heavy  burden. 
But  the  people  held  firmly  together  and  made  many  sacri- 
fices for  the  cause.  And  no  one  made  greater  sacrifices 
than  Pastor  Bailsman,  whose  salary  during  a  number  of 
years  was  at  his  own  re(juest  fixed  at  a  low  ligiire,  and  who 
at  the  same  time  contributed  liberally  toward  the  paynu'iit 
of  the  debt.  In  this  way  the  ])eoj)le  not  only  paid  the  in- 
terest regularly,  but  also  invariably  raised  the  large  classi- 
cal apportionment  for  benevolent  purposes,  and  in  course 
of  time  paid  the  debt.       Unfortunately    large   sums  were 


ST.  1'aul's  church.  311 

consumed  for  interest,  but  it  was  unavoidable.  At  the 
same  time  the  trying  ordeal  served  as  a  discipline  for  the 
congregation.-  Heroic  sacrifices  were  required,  and  by 
making  these  the  people  cultivated  the  beautiful  grace  of 
giving,  which  became  permanent.  Not  only  has  the  heavy 
debt  been  paid  and  large  amounts  contributed  for  benevo- 
lence, but  over  $25,000  has  been  given  for  the  erection  of 
other  Reformed  churches  in  Reading,  besides  dismissing 
many  of  the  best  members  to  start  new  congregations. 
Thus  the  daughter  of  the  old  mother  church  has  herself 
become  the  fostering  founder  and  mother  of  four  other 
Reformed  churches  in  Reading. 

Some  time  after  the  completion  of  the  church  the  Sun- 
day school  was  presented  with  a  beautiful,  large  oil  paint- 
ing representing  Christ  blessing  little  children.  The  pic- 
ture now  graces  the  western  wall  in  the  rear  of  the  pulpit. 
It  was  painted  by  Mr.  George  Selling  and  is  a  superior 
specimen  of  art.  It  was  the  gift  of  Mr.  A.  F.  Boas,  that 
well-known  friend  of  children.     The  cost  was  §500. 

On  Nov.  10,  1883,  the  Eastern  Synod  commenced  its 
annual  sessions  in  the  church.  Rev.  Thos.  C.  Porter, 
D.  I).,  of  Easton,  was  elected  president.  He  had  been 
the  first  pastor  of  the  Second  church.  The  Synod  was 
also  attended  by  Dr.  J.  C.  Bucher,  who  organized  the 
Second  church  while  he  was  pastor  of  the  First  church. 
It  was  therefore  fitting  that  these  two  gentlemen  should 
conduct  the  communion  services  on  Sunday  morning. 
Since  then  both  have  entered  into  rest. 

During  the  summer  of  1884  Dr.  Bausman  and  wife 
made  a  tour  of  Europe.  On  the  eve  of  their  departure, 
^lay  27,  a  pleasant  gathering  took  place  at  the  parsonage, 


312  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

when  the  pastor's  wife  was  presented  with  SI 50  in  gold. 
AVhilst  abroad  Dr.  Bausnian  attended  the  sessions  of  the 
Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches  at  Belfast,  Ireland,  as  a 
delegate  fnmi  the  Reformed  Church  in  the  United  States. 
He  read  a  paper  ou  the  German  Church  in  the  United 
States.  Upon  their  return  they  were  given  a  hearty  re- 
ception in  the  church  on  the  evening  of  October  24.  Ad- 
dresses of  welcome  were  delivered  by  D.  H.  Wingert,  esq., 
and  Dr.  H.  Mosser,  to  which  Dr.  Bausman  responded 
with  deep  feeling.  Among  other  things  he  stated  that  it 
is  worth  while  for  a  person  to  go  abroad  in  order  to  lefum 
home  again . 

Ou  Good  Friday  of  1885  Pastor  Bausman  confirmed 
five  children,  three  sons  and  two  daughters,  from  one  fam- 
ily, that  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Samuel  L.  Young.  A  case  like 
this  does  not  often  occur. 

On  Nov.  15,  1885,  a  somewhat  unique  service  was 
held  by  St.  Paul's  Sunday  school.  A  short  time  before 
it  had  been  proposed  to  have  the  school  purchase  a  com- 
munion service  for  the  congregation  in  Tokio,  Japan. 
Mr.  J.  B.  Fricker,  the  superintendent,  proposed  that  the 
])lan  be  adojitcd  for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  needed 
money  which  was  used  by  the  Jews  to  raise  money  to  re- 
l)air  the  temple.  (See  2  Kings  12  :  9.)  Mr.  Fricker 
])rocured  a  box  with  a  slit  in  the  top,  set  it  aside  of  the 
altar  on  Nov.  ]5,  and  all  the  members  of  the  school 
passed  by  and  placed  their  offerings  into  the  box.  The 
result  was  surprising.  The  sum  of  $175  was  placed  into 
the  box,  much  more  than  was  needed. 

During  the  summer  of  1886  Dr  Bausman  and  wife 
made  a  tour  of  the   Pacific  coast.     In   their  two  months' 


ST.  Paul's  church.  313 

stay  they  passed  through  twenty-oiie  states  and  traveled 
about  9000  miles. 

Ou  Sunday,  Jan.  1,  1888,  the  fifteenth  anniversary  of 
St.  Paul's  ehureh  was  celebrated.  To  that  date  the  con- 
gregation had  raised  the  large  sum  of  $122,601.21  for 
these  purposes  :  Church  erection,  $43,600  ;  interest  ou 
church  debt,  $21,389.36;  current  expenses,  $45,953.60; 
benevolence,  $1 1,658.25.  During  the  previous  year,  1887, 
the  sum  of  ^10,500  was  raised  for  the  reduction  of  the 
debt. 

On  the  first  of  March,  1888,  the  consistory  iutroduccd 
the  "  Directory  of  ^yorship"  as  the  liturgy  of  St.  Paul's 
church,  the  same  having  been  officially  adopted  by  the 
General  Synod  in  1887. 

During  the  summer  of  1888  steam  heating  was  intro- 
duced into  the  church  at  a  cost  of  $1600.  Hitherto  the 
church  had  been  heated  by  a  number  of  hot  air  furnaces. 

In  the  same  year  the  Sunday  school  adopted  a  system 
of  birthday  offerings  for  Bethany  Orphans'  Home.  The 
plan  is  still  in  force  and  yields  fully  $100  per  year. 

On  Jan.  12,  189  ',  Dr.  Bausman  was  for  the  first  time 
since  coming  to  Reading  in  1863  prevented  by  illness  from 
administering  the  communion.  Revs.  W.  C  Schaeffer, 
Ph.  D.,  and  H.  Y.  Stoner  supplied  his  place. 

On  June  13,  1890,  the  church  was  struck  by  light- 
ning, but  fortunately  only  little  damage  was  done. 

In  April,  1892,  the  congregation  resolved  to  enlarge 
and  remodel  the  Sunday  school  chapel.  On  Sunday  morn- 
ing. May  22,  a  special  service  was  held  by  the  congrega- 
tion and  the  school,  at  which  the  sura  of  $12,238*  was 
raised  for  the  above  purpose.  The  Sunday  school  itself 
21 


314  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

subscribed  $3000.  The  Sunday  school  now  sang  the 
"  Hallelujah  Chorus"  M'ith  excellent  effect.  Mr.  J.  B. 
Fricker  had  drilled  the  school  for  the  singing  of  this  diffi- 
cult piece  of  music,  with  the  understanding  that  it  should 
be  sung  on  May  22  if  at  least  $10,000  would  be  sub- 
scribed. Over  $2000  more  than  this  sum  was  subscribed, 
and  of  course  the  "  Hallelujah  Chorus"  was  sung. 

The  work  of  remodeling  and  enlarging  occupied  about 
a  year.  Daring  this  time  the  sessions  of  the  school  were 
held  in  the  audience  room  of  the  church.  The  biiikling 
committee  consisted  of  Louis  Kraemer,  W.  R.  Hinner- 
shitz,  J.  B,  Fricker,  Levi  Quier  and  W.  H.  Dechant. 
The  chapel  was  reopened  on  Sunday  morning,  May  7, 
1893.  Dr.  B.  Bausman,  eleiferson  Snyder  and  Jacob  B. 
Fricker  delivered  addresses.  As  usual,  the  cost  far  ex- 
ceeded the  estimate  of  ^10,000.  The  total  cost  was  $15,- 
000.  The  whole  amount  was  secured.  Tlie  chapel  was 
extended  forty  feet  on  the  east,  so  that  the  building  now 
has  the  form  of  a  cross.  The  main  room  has  galleries  on 
three  sides.  The  fine  stained  glass  windows  are  mostly 
memorials.  The  primary  room  is  connected  with  the  senior 
room  by  sliding  glass  doors.  On  the  second  floor  is  a  fine 
parlor  for  the  use  of  the  Young  Men's  Association,  the 
catechetical  class  and  other  purposes.  The  chapel  is  now 
well  arranged,  and  is  one  of  the  finest  Sunday  school  build- 
ings in  the  city. 

On  the  evening  of  Sept.  8,  1892,  Mr.  Henry  K.  Mil- 
ler, who  had  grown  up  in  St.  Paul's  school  and  church, 
was  ordained  in  the  church  as  a  missionary  to  Japan,  to 
which  position  he  had  been  called  by  the  Foreign  Board 
in  July  previous.     This  was  an  unusual  service,  and   at- 


ST.    PAUL'S    CHURCH. 


315 


tracted  an  audience  which  filled  the  large  church.  Thirty- 
two  ministers  were  present  and  seated  on  the  large  pulpit 
platform.  Sliort  addresses  were  delivered  by  Dr.  J.  P. 
Moore,  missionary  in  Japan,  who  was  on  a  furlough  at 
the  time;  Dr.  H.  M.  Kieffer  and  Dr.  J.  H.  Sechler,  after 
which  Henry  K.  Miller  delivered  his  farewell  address. 
Dr.  C.  Z.  Weiser,  president  of  the  Foreign  Board,  spoke 
parting  words  to  the  new  missionary.  The  committee  of 
ordination  appointed  by 
Schuylkill  Classis  con- 
sisted of  Drs.  B.  Baus- 
mau,  H.  Mosser,  J.  W. 
Steinmetz,  C.  S.  Gerhard, 
and  elders  H.  M.  Otto, 
Clias.  H.  Leinbach,  Dan- 
iel Miller.  At  the  close 
of  the  service  Dr.  Bans- 
man,  in  behalf  of  the  La- 
dies' Aid  Society,  pre- 
sented the  new  mission- 
ary with  a  fine  silver 
communion  service.  Rev. 
Henry    K.    Miller    was  ^^^-  Henry  k.  Miner. 

born  at  Lebanon,  Pa.,  on  Nov.  9,  1860,  as  the  son  of 
Daniel  and  Sarah  Miller.  He  was  baptized  on  December 
8  by  Dr.  F.  W.  Kremer,  and  confirmed  in  St.  Paul's 
chnrch,  Reading,  by  Dr.  B.  Bausman  on  April  15,  1881. 
He  is  a  graduate  of  the  Reading  High  School,  Franklin 
and  Marshall  College,  and  of  Union  Seminary,  New  York. 
He  left  Reading  on  Sept.  9,  1892,  and  entered   upon   his 


1 

316  HISTORY    OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

long  journey  to  Japan,  where  he  has  since  been  laboring  as 
missionary,  with  the  exception  of  about  eighteen  months 
from  the  spring  of  1900  to  the  summer  of  1901,  which 
he  spent  in  America  on  furlough.  On  April  12,  1898, 
Mr.  Miller  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  S.  Sprague,  of 
Hartford,  Conn.  The  wedding  took  place  in  Tokio,  Ja- 
pan, in  the  presence  of  the  U.  S.  consul.  Mr.  Miller 
is  known  as  the  Sunday  School  Missionary,  because  for 
nine  years  he  was  supported  by  the  Sunday  schools  of 
the  Church  by  special  gifts. 

St.  Paul's  congregation  has  always  taken  an  active 
part  in  mission  work,  both  home  and  foreign.  It  not 
only  always  paid  the  classical  apportionment  in  full,  but 
large  sums  besides.  Sunday,  Feb.  10,  1895,  was  mission- 
ary day  in  the  church.  The  anniversary  of  the  mission- 
ary society  was  celebrated.  The  reports  showed  that  the 
congregation  had  during  the  previous  year  contributed 
$5257  for  various  benevolent  purposes.  Mrs.  Rev.  W. 
E.  Hoy,  of  Japan,  delivered  an  inspiring  address.  Among 
other  things  she  remarked  that  llev.  H.  K.  Miller  was  a 
good  deal  discouraged  because  of  the  want  of  a  chapel  in 
the  particular  district  in  Sendai  in  which  he  had  been  la- 
boring. At  the  opening  of  the  Sunday  school  service  in 
the  afternoon  one  of  the  teachers  informed  Mr.  J.  B. 
Fricker  that  her  class  would  contribute  §25  for  a  chapel 
'for  Mr.  Miller.  Mr.  Fricker  stated  this  fact  to  the  school, 
and  added  that  he  seemed  to  hear  ]\Ir.  Miller  calling  from 
Japan,  "Come  over  and  help  us."  He  then  proposed 
that  the  ^800  required  for  a  chapel  be  raised  on  the  spot, 
and  it  was  done  within  ten  minutes.  The  chapel  was 
erected  and  has  ever  since  served  a  good  purpose.     In 


ST.    PAUl/s   CHURCH.  317 

the  summer  of  1 904  St.  Paul's  school  purchased  a  good 
cabiuet  orgau  and  forwarded  it  to  Sendai,  Japan,  for  use 
in  the  above  chapel,  now  in  charge  of  Rev.  Mr.  Faust. 
On  Sunday,  Oct.  23,  1904,  Rev.  A.  V.  Casselmau, 
field  secretary  of  the  Foreign  Board,  spoke  in  St.'  Paul's 
church  in  the  interest  of  the  North  Japan  College  at  Sen- 
dai, and  members  of  the  church  and  of  the  Sunday  school 
pledged  about  $800.  This  sum  was  subsequently  in- 
creased to  §1000. 

On  Jan.  1,  1893,  the  twentieth  anniversary  of  St. 
Paul's  church  was  celebrated.  In  connection  with  the 
services  the  past  work  of  the  congregation  was  reviewed. 
During  the  twenty  years  the  congregation  contributed 
$58,825.84  toward  the  erection  of  the  church,  |93,552  for 
current  expenses  and  $46,066  for  benevolence,  a  total  of 
$108,443.84. 

On  the  evening  of  May  24,  1893,  the  General  Synod 
of  the  Reformed  Church  commenced  its  triennial  sessions 
in  St.  Paul's  church.  The  sessions  continued  about  a 
week.  This  was  an  occasion  of  special  interest.  The 
opening  sermon  was  preached  by  Dr.  H.  J.  Riitenik,  of 
Cleveland,  one  of  the  vice  presidents,  in  consequence  of 
the  death  of  the  president  of  the  Synod,  Dr.  J.  H.  A. 
Bomberger.  Dr.  Thos.  G.  Apple,  of  Lancaster,  Pa.,  was 
elected  president.  During  the  sessions  he  occupied  the 
chair  which  Rev.  Michael  Schlatter  had  brought  with  him 
to  this  country  in  1746.  The  chair  was  made  in  1740. 
It  was  loaned  for  the  occasion  by  the  owner,  Hon.  Rud. 
F.  Kelker,  of  Harrisburg. 

Monday  evening,  May  29,  was  an  occasion  of  great 
interest.     It  was  the  celebration  of  the  centennial  of  the 


318  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

organization  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  this  country  into 
a  Synod  in  1793.  At  five  o'clock  the  members  of  the 
General  Synod  and  others  were  given  a  banquet  in  the 
Sunday  school  chapel,  prepared  by  the  ladies  of  the  con- 
gregation. At  the  close  of  the  banquet  a  number  of  ex- 
cellent addresses  were  delivered.  The  venerable  Dr. 
Philip  Schatf,  who  was  called  to  this  country  by  the  Re- 
formed Church  in  1844,  and  in  the  First  church  of  Read- 
ing installed  as  Professor  of  Church  History  of  the  Semi- 
nary at  Mercersburg,  was  the  iirst  speaker.  His  subject 
was  "  Switzerland,  the  Cradle  of  the  Reformed  Church." 
On  the  former  occasion  he  was  a  young  man,  and  then 
delivered  his  celebrated  address  on  ''  The  Principles  of 
Protestantism."  Now  after  forty-nine  years  he  was  in 
the  evening  of  life,  yet  he  was  still  vigorous,  and  his  ad- 
dress was  received  with  the  greatest  interest.  Dr.  H.  J. 
Riitenik  spoke  on  "  The  Rhiueland  and  the  Reformed 
Church  in  the  United  States."  Dr.  J.  B.  Drury,  of  New 
York,  a  member  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  and 
editor  of  the  Christian  Intelligencer,  spoke  on  the  "  Re- 
formed Church  in  America,  the  Early  Friend  and  Foster 
Mother  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  the  United  States." 
Dr.  J.  H.  Dubbs  spoke  on  "  Our  Pioneer  Fathers."  Dr. 
G.  AV.  Williard  was  to  speak  on  "The  Church  in  the 
West,"  but  was  prevented  by  illness,  and  his  place  was 
supplied  by  Dr.  E.  V.  Gerhart.  Geo.  F.  Baer,  esq.,  was 
the  last  speaker. 

At  the  close  of  the  bancpiet  the  people  went  to  tiic 
Academy  of  Music,  opposite  the  church,  where  the  cen- 
tennial exercises  were  continued.  This  place  was  used 
because  of  its  large  seating  capacity.     Nearly  3000  per- 


ST.  Paul's  church.  319 

sons  had  crowded  into  the  place.  Dr.  John  A.  Peters 
presided.  Dr.  J.  W.  Meminger,  of  Lancaster,  spoke  on 
"  Landmarks  of  the  Century."  Dr.  J.  Elmendorf,  of  the 
Reformed  Dutch  Church,  spoke  on  "A  Glance  at  the 
Forces  Working  against  and  for  Church  Union."  The 
union  of  the  two  Reformed  Churches  in  this  country  was 
then  advocated.  Dr.  J.  Spangler  Kieifer,  of  Hagerstown, 
Md.,  spoke  on  *'  Dependence  and  Independence."  At  the 
close  of  the  addresses  the  venerable  Dr  Philip  SchafF  pro- 
nounced the  benediction. 

Sunday,  Oct.  15,  1893,  was  Seminary  Day  in  St.  Paul's 
church.  Dr.  John  C.  Bowman,  a  member  of  the  faculty 
of  the  Reformed  Seminary  at  Lancaster,  presented  the 
claims  of  the  institution  in  connection  with  the  erection  of 
the  new  Seminary  building.  A  subsequent  canvass  by 
him  among  the  members  resulted  in  subscriptions  aggre- 
gating $6435.75. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1893  Dr.  Bausman  or- 
ganized a  Bible  Class  in  connection  with  the  Sunday 
school,  which  he  is  still  conducting.  The  class  consists 
largely  of  elderly  persons,  and  meets  in  the  parlor  of  the 
chapel.     The  class  has  been  quite  successful. 

On  Sunday,  Nov.  26,  1893,  the  thirtieth  anniversary 
of  Dr.  Bausmau's  ministry  in  Reading  Wf^s  celebrated.  At 
the  morning  service  Daniel  Miller,  representing  the  con- 
sistory, delivered  an  address,  in  which  he  reviewed  the 
coming  of  Dr.  Bausman  to  Reading  and  his  work  here. 
Dr.  Bausman  followed  with  an  address  of  great  interest. 
Among  the  many  facts  stated  was  this  one,  that  during  the 
thirty  years  he  followed  seven  Reformed  ministers  in  this 
city  to  their  graves — Revs.  C.  A.  Pauli,    A.  L.   Herman, 


320  HISTORY    OF    KEFORMED    CHURCH. 

Wm.  A.  Good,  AV.  F.  P.  Davis,  F.  W.  Decliant,  P.  P.  A. 
Hoffman  and  C.  F.  McCauley,  D.  D.  lu  each  case  Dr. 
B.  preached  the  funeral  sermon.  (Since  tlien  the  number 
has  been  increased  to  fourteen.)  In  the  Sunday  school 
in  the  afternoon  short  addresses  were  delivered  by  Mr.  A. 
F.  Boas,  during  thirty-seven  years  superintendent  of  the 
First  church  school.  Dr.  A.  S.  Leinbach  and  ]\Ir.  J.  B. 
Fricker.  In  the  evening  Dr.  Bausman  spoke  on  the  lead- 
ings of  Providence  in  his  work. 

On  Sunday,  Jan.  28,  181)4,  notice  was  taken  in  the 
Sunday  school  of  Dr.  Bausman's  seventieth  birthday  anni- 
versary, and  he  was  presented  with  a  bouquet  of  seventy 
beautiful  roses  of  various  colors. 

One  of  the  best  known  men  in  the  Reformed  Church 
in  Reading  was  Mr.  Gideon  Knabb,  who  served  as  sexton 
during  twenty-three  years — first  in  the  First  church  and 
afterward  in  St.  Paul's  church  from  its  erection  until 
1890.  He  was  a  man  of  simple  faith  and  ardent  piety. 
He  died  on  February  G,  1895,  aged  80  years  and  4 
months.  He  had  been  a  member  of  the  Reformed  Church 
during  68  years.  Although  a  man  of  moderate  means 
and  su])porting  a  large  family  by  his  daily  labor,  the 
names  of  all  the  members  of  his  family,  children  as  well 
as  parents,  were  on  the  roll  of  the  missionary  society. 
AVhcnever  a  child  entered  the  family,  its  name  was  placed 
upon  the  roll. 

Ou  Sunday,  December  26,  1897,  the  twenty-fifth  anni- 
versary of  St.  Paul's  congregation  was  celebrated.  The 
church  was  elaborately  decorated.  Dr.  B.  Bausman 
preached  both  morning  and  evening.  In  the  morning  he 
reviewed  the  history  and  experiences  of  the  congregation, 


ST.  Paul's  cpiukch.  321 

and  pointed  out  the  marks  of  the  Lord'^  favor.  In  the 
evening  tlie  pastor  spoke  of  the  cliaracteristics  of  a  true 
evangelical  congregation.  Both  services  were  largely 
attended.  During  these  twenty-five  years  Dr.  Bausman 
conducted  ovej-  4000  public  services  on  Sundays  and 
weekdays,  including  funerals.  He  baptized  779  persons, 
confirmed  690,  received  by  certificate  652,  not  including 
204  received  at  the  organization,  buried  334,  and  dis- 
missed 263  to  other  churches,  144  of  the  latter  to  Re- 
formed churches  in  Reading. — Monday  evening  was  de- 
voted to  the  cause  of  missions.  Mrs.  D.  B.  Si-hneder,  of 
Japan,  appeared  in  Japanese  costume  and  delivered  an 
interesting  address.  Her  story  was  very  pathetic,  and 
touched  every  heart  deeply.  Dr.  J.  S.  Stahr  reviewed 
the  history  and  work  of  the  congregation,  and  spoke 
words  of  encouragement. — Tuesday  evening  a  Reformed 
"  family  reunion"  was  held.  The  pastors  of  the  several 
Reformed  congregations  and  many  of  their  members 
attended  and  took  part  in  the  services.  Six  of  the  pastors 
delivered  short  addresses — Drs.  Mosser,  Bridenbaugh, 
Steinmetz,  Gerhard  and  Derr,  and  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner. 
Rev.  T.  M.  Yundt,  of  Bethany  Orphans'  Home,  spoke  in 
behalf  of  the  orphans.  All  the  Reformed  city  pastors 
were  present  except  tw^o. — On  Wednesday  evening  Dr. 
Bausman  read  reports  of  the  six  societies  of  the  congre- 
gation. The  address  of  the  evening  was  delivered  by 
Rev.  G.  AV.  Richards,  of  Allentown. 

The  last  meeting  of  the  series  occurred  on  Thursday 
evening,  Dec.  30.  Although  last,  this  meeting  was  not 
the  least  in  importance  and  results,  ^o  program  for 
this  meeting  had  been  published.     It  was  simply   called 


322  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

as  a  cougregational  meeting.  Many  wondered  what  would 
be  done.  They  soon  learned.  A  number  of  the  most 
active  members  had  felt  that  this  was  the  time  for  the 
payment  of  the  balance  of  the  church  debt.  They  had  in 
a  <|uiet  way  secured  pledges  aggregating  ^7000.  The 
members  were  then  at  this  meeting  informed  that  the  cel- 
ebration of  the  25th  anniversary  would  not  be  complete 
unless  the  money  for  the  payment  of  the  debt  were  raised. 
In  a  short  time  the  amount  of  .$10,000  was  secured 
toward  the  debt  of  !^1 1,500.  The  balance  was  secured 
later.  At  the  close  of  the  meeting  the  congregation  sang 
"  Praise  God  from  whom  all  blessings  flow"  with  prob- 
ably greater  heartiness  than  ever  before. 

The  subscriptions  for  the  debt  were  paid  during  the 
year  1898.  Thus  ended  a  long  financial  chapter.  When 
the  church  was  dedicated  on  Sept.  15,  1874,  the  debt 
amounted  to  >;42,000.  The  church  as  it  now  stands  cost 
$106,000.  Of  this  amount  the  sum  of  $24,000  was  real- 
ized from  the  sale  of  lots.  The  balance  of  $82,000  was  at 
different  times  contributed  by  the  members  of  St.  Paul's 
congregation,  besides  a  very  large  amount  for  interest. 
The  latter  amount  alone  would  have  been  sufficient  to 
erect  a  fine  church.  Thus  after  a  hard  struo-gle  of  25 
years  the  church  was  free  of  debt,  and  all  rejoiced.  Xo 
special  notice  of  the  payment  of  the  debt  was  taken. 
There  was  no  public  mortgage  burning.  The  payment  of 
a  church  debt  was  considered  only  a  matter  of  common 
propriety,  of  which  no  public  parading  was  needed. 

On  Sunday,  June  20,  1898,  the  twenty-fifth  anniver- 
sary of  St.  Paul's  Sunday  school  was  celebrated.  It  was 
an  interesting  occasion.  The  history  of  the  school  during 
the  previous  twenty-five  years  was  reviewed.     Mr.  Daniel 


ST.    PAULS    CHURCH. 


323 


Miller  read  an  historical  statement.  During  the  twenty- 
five  years  the  school  lost  69  members  by  death.  Five 
hundred  and  fifty-five  members  of  the  school  were  con- 
firmed by  Dr.  Bausmau  as  members  of  the  congregation. 
Of  the  first  officers  of  the  school  only  Mr.  J.  B.  Fricker 
and  Mr.  H.  C.  McCauley  remained.  Mr.  Fricker  served 
many  years  as  superintendent,  assistant  superintendent 
and  musical  director,  and  continues  in  the  latter  position 
until  the  present  time. 
He  has  served  St.  Paul's 
school  during  a  period  of 
over  thirty-two  years. 
Before  the  organization 
of  St.  Paul's  school  he 
was  connected  with  the 
First  school  since  his 
boyhood,  and  is  one  of 
the  few  persons  remain- 
ing who  attended  school 
in  the  "  cellar"  or  base- 
ment. Mr.  Fricker  has 
been  connected  with  the 
choirs  of  the  First  and 
St.  Paul's  churches  during  46  years  until  1903,  when  he 
retired.  He  has  been  leading  the  singing  of  St.  Paul's 
school  since  its  organization  in  1873.  Mr.  McCauley 
served  as  treasurer  of  the  school  from  its  beginning  until 
Jan.  31,  1904,  when  failing  health  compelled  him  to  lay 
down  this  work.  He  was  succeeded  by  Joseph  V.  R. 
Leinbach.  Mr.  McCauley  was  noted  for  faithfulness  and 
efficiency.     He  handled  many  thousand  dollars,  and  bis 


Jacob   B.  Frieker. 


324  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

accounts  were  always  found   corrrect.     He  died   on  Sept. 
29,  1904,  aged  63  years. 

During  the  first  25  years  of  its  existence  St.  Paul's 
school  contributed  within  a  few  dollars  the  large  sum  ot 
$25,000.  Among  the  expenditures  are  these  items  :  Sun- 
day school  expenses,  $7865  ;  Bethany  Orphans'  Home, 
S2282  ;  payment  of  church  debt,  $4640  ;  current  expenses 
of  church,  $3039 ;  remodeling  Sunday  school,  $3000 ; 
furniture,  matting,  etc.,  $704  ;  home  missions,  $630  ;  for- 
eign missions,  82201,  etc.  As  a  thaukoffering  for  the 
Lord's  great  blessing  during  a  quarter  of  a  century  the 
school  unanimously  agreed  to  raise  $500  for  a  Church- 
building  Fund. 

On  Sunday,  February  12,  1899,  the  twenty-fifth  anni- 
versary of  the  dedication  of  St.  Paul's  church  w.as  cele- 
brated. Dr.  Bausman  preached  a  special  sermon  on  John 
10:  22,23.  This  celebration  came  after  a  heavy  snow- 
fall, which  interfered  with  the  attendance.  The  pastor 
stated  that  no  imj)roper  use  had  ever  been  made  of  the 
church.  The  pulpit  was  never  turned  into  a  stage,  and 
DO  questionable  means  were  employed  to  raise  money. 

On  Wednesday  evening,  March  8,  1900,  a  reception 
M-as  tendered  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Henry  K.  Miller,  who  had  a 
'short  time  before  returned  from  Japan.  Dr.  Bausman 
delivered  an  address  of  welcome,  to  which  Mr.  INIiller 
responded.  He  referred  to  the  fact  that  seven  and  a  half 
years  before  he  had  been  ordained  in  this  church  and  sent 
forth  from  here  to  his  mission  in  Japan. 

For  some  time  Dr.  Bausman  had  realized  that  the 
work  of  the  large  congregation  was  becoming  too  burden- 
some for  him.     He,  therefore,  in  the  summer  of  1900  pro- 


ST.  Paul's  church. 


325 


posed  to  lay  down  the  work  aud  make  room  for  a  younger 
man.  He  submitted  his  resignation,  to  take  effect  Oct.  1, 
1900.  The  consistory  couhl  not  entertain  the  proposition, 
and  unanimously  declined  to  accept  the  resignatiou.  On 
the  other  hand  Dr.  Bausman  was  authorized  to  employ  a 
suitable  minister  to  assist  him  in  his  work.  At  the  same 
time  his  salary  was  increased  to  $2000  per  year,  out  of 
wiiich  he  paid  the  assistant.  On  Sunday  morning,  July 
22,  1900,  Dr.  Bausman 
informed  the  congrega- 
tion of  these  facts,  and 
also  announced  that  he 
had  called  Rev.  Chas. 
E.  Creitz  as  his  assist- 
ant. His  action  gave 
full  satisfaction  to  the 
congregation.  Rev,  Mr. 
Creitz  preached  his  intro- 
ductory sermon  on  Sun- 
day evening,  October  7, 
1900. 

Rev.  C.  E.  Creitz,  the 
new  assistant,  is  a  son  of  ^^^-  chas.  e.  creuz. 

Alviu  F.  and  Caroline  (Oswald)  Creitz.  He  was  born  on 
a  farm  near  Lynnport,  Lehigh  county.  Pa.,  on  Oct.  24, 
1865.  He  attended  the  public  schools  until  he  was  fifteen 
years  of  age,  when  he  took  a  term  at  Palatinate  College  at 
Myerstown,  Pa.  After  teaching  four  terms  in  the  public 
schools  he  entered  the  Sophomore  class  of  Franklin  and 
Marshall  College  at  Lancaster,  Pa.,  from  which  institution 
he  graduated  in  1889.     He  delivered  the  valedictory  ora- 


326  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

tiou  on  gradiiatiou  day.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  he 
entered  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Lancaster,  and  grad- 
uated from  this  institution  in  1H92.  While  yet  in  the 
Seminary  he  was  elected  pastor  of  the  Weissport  charge 
in  Carbon  county,  Pa.  The  congregation  worshiped  in  a 
union  church.  During  the  first  year  of  his  pastorate  the 
Lutheran  interest  in  the  church  property  was  purchased, 
and  the  c'uirch  entirely  remodeled.  In  January,  1895, 
he  was  elected  to  the  pastorate  of  the  Reformed  church  at 
Huntingdon,  Pa.  During  his  pastorate  at  this  place  a 
new  church  was  erected,  fn  1899  Mr.  Creitz  became  the 
financial  secretary  of  the  Home  Mission  Board,  which  po- 
sition he  held  for  oue  year,  when  he  was  called  to  be  the 
assistant  to  Rev.  B.  Bausmau,  D.  D. 

Mr.  Creitz  has  been  a  delegate  to  the  General  Synod 
and  frequently  to  district  synods.  He  was  the  presi- 
dent of  the  Enstern  Synod  in  1903.  He  is  at  present  the 
president  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Eastern  Synod, 
a  member  of  the  Board  of  Visitors  of  the  Theological 
Seminary  at  Lancaster,  Pa.,  and  a  member  of  the  Sunday 
School  Board  of  the  General  Synod.  He  is  also  the  presi- 
dent of  the  Reading  Ministerial  Association. 

On  August  30,  1900,  Rev.  VI  r.  Creitz  was  married  to 
Miss  Wilhelmina  Schaelfer,  of  Huntingdon,  Pa.  Oue 
child  was  born  to  them. 

On  August  27,  1901,  farewell  services  were  held  in 
the  church  on  the  eve  of  tlie  return  of  Rev.  and  Mrs.  H. 
K.  Miller  to  their  field  of  labor  in  Japan.  Addresses 
were  delivered  by  Dr.  Jas.  I.  Good,  president  of  the 
Foreign  Board,  Rev.  H.  K.  Miller  and  Dr.  B.  Bausman. 
At  the  close  of  the  services  all  present  came  forward   and 


ST.  Paul's  church.  327 

bade  the  missionaries  farewell.  The  couple  left  Reading 
on  August  29. 

Ou  Sunday  morning,  Sept.  7,  1902,  a  beautiful  altar 
was  dedicated  in  the  church.  It  is  made  of  solid  walnut, 
and  is  a  fine  piece  of  work.  It  is  a  memorial  to  the  late 
Rev.  Daniel  W.  Albright,  and  bears  this  inscription  :  "  In 
memory  of  Rev.  Daniel  W.  Albright,  from  his  mother 
and  brother." 

Ou  Sept.  21,  1902,  the  congregation  created  the  office 
of  assistant  or  associate  pastor,  and  elected  Rev.  C.  E. 
Creitz  to  the  position.  During  two  years  he  had  been 
assistant  to  the  pastor.  On  October  26  Mr.  Creitz  was 
formally  installed  as  assistant  pastor  by  a  committee  of 
Reading  Classis.  Dr.  Jas.  I.  Good  addressed  the  assist- 
ant  pastor,  and  Rev.  C.  E.  Schaeffer  addressed  the  con- 
gregation, whilst  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner  conducted  the  in- 
stallation. 

The  Golden  Jubilee  of  Dr.  Bausman  (fiftieth  anniver- 
sary of  his  ordination)  was  celebrated  by  a  series  of  meet- 
ings from  Eeb.  25  to  March  1,  1903.  This  proved  an 
occasion  of  unusual  interest.  A  beautiful  souvenir  pro- 
gram was  published,  including  a  fiue  portrait  of  the  pastor 
and  a  cut  of  the  church.  All  the  services  were  well  at- 
tended. The  venerable  pastor  received  many  hearty  con- 
gratulations, not  only  from  his  own  people,  but  from  the 
community  at  large.  It  may  safely  be  said  that  no  gen- 
tleman is  more  highly  regarded  in  the  general  community 
than  he.  Since  coming  to  Reading  Dr.  Bausman  had 
baptized  863  persons,  confirmed  1658  and  received  1,- 
109  from  other  churches  into  the  Fir  t  and  St.  Paul's 
churches,  not  includinar  the  charter  members  of  St.  Paul's. 


328  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

The  congregation  had  to  that  date  contributed  $171,340 
for  current  expenses  and  $124,000  for  benevolence. 

On  Wednesday  evening,  Feb.  25,  Dr.  G.  W.Richards 
spoke  on  "The  Congregation  and  the  Seminary  these 
Fifty  Years."  On  Thursday  evening,  Feb.  26,  Dr.  J.  S. 
ytalir  delivered  the  jirincipal  address.  He  was  followed 
by  Rev.  B.  T.  Calleu,  who  spoke  in  behalf  of  the  Read- 
ing Ministerial  Association.  Dr.  J.  AV.  Steinmetz  spoke 
in  behalf  of  the  Reformed  ministers  and  churches  of  Read- 
ing. Dr.  Bausman  also  delivered  an  address.  On  Fri- 
day evening,  Feb.  27,  Dr.  E.  V.  Gerhart  delivered  an 
historical  address  on  "  The  Reformed  Church  in  1853." 
On  Sunday  morning,  March  1,  Dr.  Bausman  preached  a  ju- 
bilee thanksgiving  sermon.  In  the  afternoon  special  services 
M^ere  held  in  the  Sunday  school,  with  addresses  by  Jeff. 
Snyder,  esq.,  former  superintendent ;  Rev.  C.  E.  Creitz 
and  Dr.  R.  W.  Miller.  The  school  furnished  special  mu- 
sic. On  Sunday  evening  Dr.  J.  I.  Good  delivered  an 
address  on  "  The  Reformed  Cliurch  in  Readincr,  1853  to 
1903."  This  ended  a  series  of  most  enjoyable  and  profit- 
able services.  Dr.  Bausman  and  wife  gave  a  $500  Church- 
building  Fund  as  a  thank-offering,  and  the  Sunday  school 
gave  another  $500  Fund  in  appreciation  of  the  pastor's 
long  and  faithful  service. 

On  Sunday,  June  21,  1903,  the  thirtieth  anniversary 
of  St.  Paul's  Sunday  school  was  celebrated.  The  school 
then  numbered  082  members,  besides  100  in  the  Home 
Department.  During  the  thirty  years  601  members  of 
the  school  united  with  the  church  by  confirmation.  The 
number  of  original  members  remaining  is  not  large.  Mr. 
J.  B.  Fricker,  the  Hrst  superintendent,  missed  only  a  few 


ST.  Paul's  church.  329 

services  during  the  thirty  years.  Mr.  H.  C.  McCauley 
served  as  treasurer  during  the  whole  time.  Miss  Mary 
Simon  was  present  at  every  service  of  the  school  during 
the  thirty  years.  This  is  a  remarkable  record.  During 
the  thirty  years  the  school  contributed  $31,059  for  all 
purposes,  an  average  of  over  .^1000  a  year. 

On  Sunday,  Feb.  7,  1904,  Prof.  E.  M.  Hartman  pre- 
sented the  claims  of  Franklin  and  Marshall  College  to  St. 
Paul's  congregation  and  subsequently  secured  subscrip- 
tions aggregating  $5240  from  the  members  for  the  pur- 
pose stated. 

On  September  (j  and  7,  1904,  a  special  session  of  the 
Eastern  Synod  was  held  in  St.  Paul's  church  for  the  pur- 
pose of  electing  a  Professor  of  Systematic  Theology  in  the 
Lancaster  Seminary  as  the  successor  of  Dr.  E,  V.  Ger- 
hart,  who  died  on  May  6,  1904.  At  a  previous  special 
session  of  the  Synod  in  June  of  the  same  year  Rev.  Theo. 
F.  Herman,  of  Alleutown,  Pa.,  had  been  elected  to  this 
position,  but  he  declined  the  call.  On  September  7  Rev. 
Christopher  Noss,  returned  missionary  in  Japan,  was 
elected  to  the  professorship,  and  he  accepted  the  call. 

\A  hen  St.  Paul's  church  was  erected  its  tower  was  not 
completed.  It  remained  in  this  condition  until  the  sum- 
mer of  1905,  when  it  was  raised  twenty  feet  and  finished 
as  it  appears  in  the  picture  on  i)age  308,  Mr.  William 
H.  Dechant  was  the  contractor.  Tlie  cost  of  the  improve- 
ment was  about  $4000. 

On  the  evening  of  July  3,    1905,  at  a  congregational 

meeting  it  was  resolved  to  repair  the  organ,   refresco  the 

audience  room  and   procure  a  new  carpet  for  the  same. 

But  it  was  resolved  that  these   improvements  should   not 

22 


330  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

be  undertaken  until  certain  defects  in  the  acoustics  of  the 
church  had  been  remedied. 

A  number  of  annual  and  many  special  sessions  of  Leb- 
anon, Schuylkill  and  Reading  classes  were  held  in  St. 
Paul's  church,  and  the  Reformed  ministers  of  Reading 
during  the  last  ten  years  met  here  on  Monday  mornings. 
The  church  has  also  been  used  frequently  for  meetings  of 
charitable  and  other  organizations,  but  a  rule  of  the  con- 
sistory forbids  its  use  for  any  purpose  for  which  an  ad- 
mission fee  is  charged. 

Certain  members  of  St.  Paul's  church  have  been  instru- 
mental in  organizing  five  other  congregations  and  in  erect- 
ing their  churches  in  Reading  :  Zion's,  St.  Stephen's,  Cal- 
vary, St.  Andrew's  and  St.  Thomas'.  They  also  contributed 
liberally  to  St.  Mark's  and  Olivet  churches.  The  forward 
movement  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  Reading  was  com- 
menced in  1864,  when  Dr.  Bausman  and  Dr.  McCauley 
organized  St.  John's  Sunday  school.  Other  mission  schools 
were  organized  soon  after,  and  for  some  years  the  work 
was  under  the  care  of  the  Reformed  Sunday  School  Asso- 
ciation, consisting  of  the  pastors,  officers  and  teachers  of 
all  the  schools.  In  1879  it  was  agreed  to  district  the  city 
and  assign  a  certain  section  to  each  of  the  three  church 
schools  in  the  central  part  of  the  city.  Thus  Immanuel's 
school  on  North  Tenth  street  was  assigned  to  the  fostering 
care  of  St.  Paul's  school.  This  school  was  on  January  1, 
1884,  reorganized  into  St.  Stephen's  school,  after  the 
church  at  Ninth  and  Greenwich  streets  had  been  erected. 
Material  aid  had  before  been  given  to  Zion's  German 
church.  In  1888  Calvary  church  was  erected,  and  in 
1890  St.  Andrew's  church   was  erected.     All   this   work 


ST.  1'Aul's  church.  331 

was  carried  forward  uomiually  under  the  auspices  of  St. 
Paul's  church,  but  uot  officially.  The  consistory  was 
never  asked  to  assume  any  financial  responsibility.  The 
work  was  performed  by  members  of  the  congregation  as 
individuals.  Much  aid  was  also  given  to  St.  Thomas' 
church.  This  shows  Avhat  may  be  done  by  concerted  in- 
dividual effort. 

The  following  young  men  have  entered  the  Christian 
ministry  from  St.  Paul's  church  :  John  M.  Kessler,  James 
I.  Good,  John  H.  Leinbach,  J.  Alvin  Reber,  George  W. 
Griffith,  Daniel  W.  Albright  and  Henry  K.  Miller.  Mr. 
Kessler,  Mr.  Leinbach  and  Mr.  Albright  have  died. 

St.  Paul's  congregation  is  using  the  third  hymn  book. 
When  the  congregation  was  organized,  ''  Psalms  and 
Hymns"  was  the  only  English  hymn  book  in  the  Reformed 
Church,  and  it  was  of  course  introduced.  A  few  years 
later  a  new  book  entitled  "  Hymns  for  the  Reformed 
Church"  was  published,  and  adopted  by  this  congregation. 
On  Xov.  29,  1801,  the  new  '' Hymnal  of  the  Reformed 
Church"  was  adopted  by  the  congregation  and  has  since 
been  in  use. 

St.  Paul's  church  has  had  four  treasurers.  Ex-judge 
Daniel  Young  served  from  its  beginning  until  his  death 
on  July  27,  1872.  His  last  entry  was  made  on  July  20, 
seven  days  before  his  death.  He  was  succeeded  by  Ex- 
judge  Wm.  Heidenreich.  who  served  from  August  1, 1873, 
to  the  end  of  the  year  1875.  (The  congregation  received 
$1200  from  the  will  of  his  widow,  who  died  in  1899.) 
The  next  treasurer  was  Wm.  R.  Yeich,  who  served  from 
the  beginning  of  1876  to  the  close  of  1884.  The  present 
treasurer  is  J.  Adam  Miller,  who  entered  upon  his  office 
on  Jan.  1,  1885. 


332  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

The  organists  of  the  church  have  been  :  Miss  Mary 
Werner,  Prof.  E.  A.  Berg,  Miss  Leo  Noll,  Charles  W. 
Fichthorn,  James  H.  Hantsch,  Carl  Moter,  Harry  E. 
Fahrbach  aud  Miss  M.  Evelyn  Essick,  who  entered  upon 
the  work  on  Jan.  1,  1904. 

As  stated  before,  Mr.  Gideon  Knal)b  served  as  sexton 
of  St.  Paul's  church  from  the  time  of  its  erection  in  1871 
until  1890,  He  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  John  A.  Eiche,  who 
served  until  April  1,  1904.  Since  that  time  Mr.  Horace 
T.  Shirk  has  filled  the  position. 

St.  Paul's  congregation  at  this  writing  (1905)  has  847 
members,  and  the  Sunday  school  has  711  members. 

The  officers  of  St.  Paul's  church  in  1905  were:  Eld- 
ers, Wm.  H.  Dechant,  George  A.  Leinbach,  William  D. 
Wolfinger,  Cha'les  E.  Leippe,  Charles  L.  Van  Reed,  Dr. 
A.  B.  Dundor ;  deacons,  William  S.  Yocum,  Nathan  S. 
Althouse,  Peter  G.  Hertzog,  Dr.  H.  W.  Bohn,  Andrew  J. 
Levengood,  Frank  I.  Rauch,  secretary  ;  treasurer,  J.  Adam 
Miller ;  organist.  Miss  M.  Evelyn  Essick ;  sexton,  Hor- 
ace T.  Shirk. 

Societies. — There  are  at  present  nine  societies  con- 
nected with  St.  Paul's  church,  as  follows  : 

The  congregational  missionary  society  was  organized 
on  Jan.  15,  1873.  It  is  as  old  as  the  congregation.  It 
meets  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  the  month. 

On  March  1,  1873,  the  Good  Will  Society  was  organ- 
ized. On  Sept.  18,  1883,  its  name  was  changed  to  La- 
dies' Missionary  Society.  The  society  meets  every  two 
weeks. 

The  Brotherhood  is  a  beneficial  society,  which  was  or- 
ganized March  14,  1873.     The  members  pay  10  cents  per 


ST.  Paul's  church.  333 

week,  and  specified  sums  are  paid  in  ease  of  sickness  or 
death. 

The  Sisterhood  is  also  a  beneficial  society,  organized 
March  26,  1873. 

The  Young  Men's  Association  was  organized  Feb.  22, 
1885.  Devotional  meetings  were  held  every  Sunday  even- 
ing one  hour  befiare  church  service  until  July  2,  1905, 
when  the  newly  organized  C.  E.  Society  commenced  hold- 
ing devotional  meetings. 

The  Young  Ladies'  Guild  is  a  society  of  young  ladies, 
which  was  organized  Feb.  5,  1894.  Meetings  are  held 
twice  a  month,  when  the  members  engage  in  needle  work 
of  different  kinds.  The  society  supplies  the  altar  of  the 
church  with  flowers  every  Sunday  in  the  year.  After  the 
services  the  flowers  are  presented  to  the  sick  of  the  con- 
gregation. 

The  Mission  Band  was  organized  on  Oct.  28,  1899. 
Meetings  are  held  every  Saturday  afternoon.  During  the 
winter  the  members  engage  in  needle  work. 

A  Junior  Christian  Endeavor  Society  was  organized 
on  May  4,  1905. 

On  the  evening  of  June  22,  1905,  a  Senior  Christian 
Endeavor  Society  was  organized  with  these  oflicers  :  Presi- 
dent, A.  A.  Simon,  jr. ;  vice  president,  Miss  Emily  A. 
Fritch  ;  recording  secretary.  Miss  Mabel  A.  Aumau  ;  cor- 
responding secretary.  Miss  Sarah  Hafer ;  treasurer,  Harry 
W.  Moyer.  The  first  devotional  meeting  was  held  on 
Sunday  evening,  July  2,  1905. 


334  history  of  reformed  church. 

Kev.  B.  Bausman,  D.  D. 

(See  Frontispiece.) 

Beujamiu  Bailsman  was  born  Jan,  28,  1824,  near  Lan- 
caster, Pa.,  as  the  sou  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Bausman. 
On  March  8,  1824,  he  was  baptized  by  Rev.  John  Henry 
HoiFmeier.  He  was  confirmed  as  a  member  of  the  Re- 
formed congregation  in  the  old  stone  church  at  Lancaster, 
Sept.  26,  1840,  by  Rev.  G.  W.  Glessner.  His  early  life 
was  spent  on  his  father's  farm. 

In  the  winter  of  1846  he  commenced  his  studies  for 
the  ministry  in  Franklin  College,  which  was  afterward 
united  with  Marshall  College.  On  May  6  following  he 
entered  Marshall  College  at  Mercersbnrg.  After  gradu- 
ating from  this  institution  he  entered  the  Theological  Semi- 
nary at  the  same  place,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1852. 

Mr.  Bausman  was  examined  and  licensed  by  the  Synod 
of  Baltimore  in  October,  1852,  and  ordained  by  a  com- 
mittee of  Susquehanna  Classis  in  the  Reformed  church  at 
Lewisburg,  Feb.  26,  1853.  The  late  Dr.  Henry  Har- 
baugh  preached  the  sermon  on  the  occasion.  At  the  same 
time  Mr.  B.  Avas  installed  as  pastor  of  the  Lewisburg  con- 
gregation as  his  first  charge.  He  continued  his  labors 
there  until  1858.  During  this  time  Mr.  Bausman  made  a 
tour  through  Europe,  Egypt,  Arabia  and  Palestine.  In 
1858  he  was  called  to  the  editorship  of  the  Reformed 
Church  Messenger,  then  published  at  Chambersburg,  Pa., 
and  continued  in  this  position  until  1861,  when  he  re- 
signed to  accept  the  pastorate  of  the  First  Reformed 
church  of  Cham])ersburg.  In  1863  Mr.  Bausman  ac- 
cepted a  call  from  the  First  Reformed  church  of  Reading, 


ST.  Paul's  church.  335 

aud  served  in  this  charge  over  nine  years,  and  over  thirty- 
two  years  as  pastor  of  St.  Paul's  church.  Since  Dr. 
Bausman's  coming  to  Reading  the  city  has  greatly  in- 
creased, and  the  Reformed  Church  has  kept  pace  with 
this  increase.  Instead  of  two  Reformed  congregations  in 
18(33,  there  are  now  fourteen  congregations  in  the  city. 
Dr.  Bausman  led  not  only  in  the  organization  of  St. 
Paul's  church,  but  also  in  that  of  St.  John's,  Zion's,  St. 
Stephen's,  Calvary  and  St.  Andrew's  congregations,  and 
in  the  erection  of  several  of  their  churches.  He  has 
proven  a  wise  leader,  especially  in  the  location  of  a  num- 
ber of  the  new  churches.  It  is  stated  that  the  Reformed 
churches  are  so  located  that  no  citizen  need  walk  more 
than  six  squares  to  find  a  Reformed  church. 

In  1871  the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  was 
conferred  upon  him  by  Franklin  and  Marshall  College. 

Dr.  Bausman  has  filled  numerous  positions  of  trust 
and  honor  in  his  Church.  He  has  served  a  number  of 
years  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  Franklin 
and  Marshall  College  and  of  the  Theological  Seminary, 
served  a  number  of  years  as  president  of  the  Board  of 
Home  ]\Iissions,  and  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  For- 
eign Missions  from  its  reorganization  to  1890. 

After  the  destruction  of  the  Reformed  printing  concern 
at  Chambersburg,  while  pastor  of  the  old  First  church  of 
Reading,  he  was  appointed  financial  agent,  and  succeeded, 
with  the  help  of  others,  in  securing  the  sum  of  $18,000 
for  the  relief  of  the  establishment.  He  frequently  repre- 
sented his  church  at  synod,  was  elected  president  of  the 
General  Synod  of  Baltimore  in  1884,  was  a  delegate  to 
the  German  Evangelical  Church  Diet,  which  met  at  Lue- 


336  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

beck,  Germany,  iu  ISoG,  and  a  delegate  to  the  Alliance  of 
Keforraed  Churches  iu  Belfast,  Ireland,  in  1884,  where  he 
read  a  paper  on  the  German  Churches  in  the  United 
States. 

Dr.  Bausman  has  accomplished  a  good  deal  as  an 
author.  He  has  written  five  volumes — "  Sinai  and  Zion," 
"  Wayside  Gleanings,"  "  Bible  Characters''  and  '■  Precept 
and  Practice"  iu  English,  and  "  Gebete"  in  German.  -He 
prepared  the  celebrated  poems  of  Dr.  Henry  Harbaugh 
for  publication.  At  the  urgent  request  of  Dr.  Harbaugh 
he  accepted  the  editorship  of  the  Guardian  in  January, 
1867,  which  office  he  filled  until  January,  1881.  In  1867 
he  commenced  the  publication  of  the  Reformirte  Maus- 
freunfi,  a  German  paper,  intended  principally  for  the 
Peuusylv^ania  Germans,  which  he  edited  successfully  to 
the  end  of  1903. 

One  of  the  principal  fields  of  usefulness  of  Dr.  Baus- 
man is  Bethany  Orphans'  Home.  He  was  elected  presi- 
dent of  the  Board  of  Managers  iu  1865,  and  has  continued 
iu  this  position  ever  since.  It  was  largely  through  his 
influence  that  the  Home  was  removed  from  Philadelphia 
to  Womelsdorf,  the  splendid  property  there  secured  and 
the  money  for  its  payment  raised.  He  has  always  beeu  a 
warm  friend  of  the  orphans. 

Dr.  Bausman  has  been  active  in  various  branches  of 
church  work,  but  the  crowning  work  of  his  life  is  St. 
Paul's  church  iu  Reading,  to  whose  development  he  has 
devoted  his  best  years.  He  has  labored  incessantly,  aud 
the  Lord  greatly  blessed  his  efforts.  Under  his  ministra- 
tions the  congregation  has  now  reached  a  membership  of 
847  members,  besides  nearly  300  baptized  members. 


ST.  Paul's  church.  337 

Dr.  Bausmau  is,  with  oue  exception,  the  oldest  Prot- 
estant pastor  in  Reading  in  point  of  length  of  service. 
He  is  nniversally  respected  in  the  commnuity  as  a  faith- 
ful, conscientious  man  and  minister.  Of  the  Protestant 
pastors  in  Reading  when  Dr.  Bausman  came  here  in  1863 
only  one  remains  — Dr.  J.  J.  Kuendig,  of  St.  John's  Luth- 
eran church.  During  Dr.  Bausman's  pastorate  in  Read- 
ing fourteen  Reformed  ministers  have  died  in  this  city, 
and  he  has  preached  the  funeral  sermon  for  each  one — 
Revs.  C.  A.  Pauli,  A.  L.  Herman,  W.  A.  Good,  W.  F. 
P.  Davis,  F.  W.  Dechant,  P.  P.  A.  Hoffman,  C.  F.  Mc- 
Cauley,  D.  D.,  John  H.  Leinbach,  A.  S.  Leinbach,  D.  D., 
D.  W.  Albright,  Geo.  E.  Addams,  F.  B.  Hahn,  C.  S. 
Gerhard,  D.  D.,  and  John  W.  Steinmetz,  D.  D. 

During  his  ministry  in  Reading  Dr.  Bausman  con- 
firmed six  young  men  who  entered  the  ministry — Jas.  I. 
Good,  D.  D.,  J.  H.  Leinbach,  Geo.  W.  Griffith,  John  M. 
Kessler,  D.  W.  Albright  and  H.  K.  Miller.  Of  these 
Revs.  J.  H.  Leinbach  and  D.  W.  Albright  have  died. 

On  April  6,  1875,  Dr.  Bausmau  was  married  by  Drs. 
C.  F.  McCauley  and  Henry  Mosser  to  Miss  Amelia  Bing- 
aman,  who  has  since  then  been  a  helpmeet  of  great  value 
to  him,  and  an  active  worker  in  the  church  and  in  the 
community;  During  many  years  she  taught  a  Bible  class 
in  the  Sunday  school,  and  at  present  serves  as  superin- 
tendent of  the  primary  department  of  the  school. 

Since  coming  to  Reading  in  1863  Dr.  Bausmau  bap- 
tized 885  persons  in  the  First  and  St.  Paul's  churches.  He 
confirmed  1 724  persons — 836  in  the  First  church  and  888 
in  St.  Paul's  church.  He  also  received  1158  members 
by  certificate  and  renewal  of  profession — 365  in  the  First 
church  and  793  in  St.  Paul's  church. 


SECTION  V. 

ZIOFS  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

(Fifth  Congregation.) 

The  failure  of  the  first  effort  to  establish  a  German 
Reformed  congregation  in  Reading  did  not  altogether 
discourage  the  advocates  of  this  movement.  Their  desire 
for  such  a  congregation  was  as  strong  as  ever,  and  they 
would  not  abandon  the  effort  on  account  of  temporary 
failure.  They  had  learned  by  experience,  and  the  mis- 
takes of  the  past  served  as  useful  lessons. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1881  the  Board  of  Mis- 
sions of  the  German  Synod  of  the  East  was  requested  to 
establish  a  German  Reformed  congregation  in  Reading. 
Dr.  B.  Bausman  was  again  the  leader  of  this  movement. 
The  challenge  was  accepted,  and  Rev.  L.  K.  Derr,  of 
Slatiugton,  Pa,,  was  selected  for  the  pastorate  of  the  fu- 
ture congregation.  He  had  an  excellent  record  as  a  mis- 
sionary and  an  organizer.  He  had  already  organized  and 
established  four  congregations — Trinity  at  Tamaqua,  St. 
Paul's  at  Mahanoy  City,  St.  John's  at  Slatington  and 
Zion's  at  Lehighton.  Each  of  these  is  now  a  strong  and 
vigorous  flock.  The  fact  is  that  Pastor  Derr  had  so  far 
spent  his  whole  ministerial  life  in  building  up  new  con- 
gregations. But  for  some  time  he  had  been  disabled 
by  failing  health,  and  he  hesitated  on  this  account  to  un- 
dertake the  work  of  founding  a  new  congregation.  How- 
ever, he  had  the  assurance  of  active  assistance  from  many 


zion's  church.  339 

frieuds  iu  Reading,  iiud  trusting  in  the  Lord  whom  he 
was  serving,  Mr.  Derr  resolved  to  enter  upon  the  work. 

He  conducted  the  first  service  in  this  city  iu  Brenei- 
ser's  Hall,  Eighth  and  Penn  streets,  on  the  first  Sunday 
iu  May  of  1881,  and  preached  to  eighteen  persons  on 
Psalm  119  :  105.  The  hall  being  located  on  the  third 
floor,  was  illy  adapted  fijr  church  services.  On  the  first 
Sunday  in  August  the  place  of  worship  was  transferred  to 
the  second  story  of  Fisher's  Hall,  Eighth  and  Washing- 
ton streets.  The  new  minister  made  a  favorable  impres- 
sion, and  the  friends  of  the  enterprise  were  encouraged. 

On  Sunday,  August  14,  1881,  Rev.  Mr.  Derr  organ- 
ized Zion's  Reformed  congregation  with  30  members  as 
the  fifth  Reformed  congregation  in  Reading,  The  names 
of  the  charter  members  are  as  follows  :  Louis  Grebe,  Cath. 
Grebe,  Louis  F.  Grebe,  Jacob  Nolde,  Henry  Kraemer, 
Jacob  K.  Stuber,  Sophia  Stuber,  Wm.  J,  Lamm,  Mary 
H.  Lamm,  John  D.  Taeuzer,  Julian  Taenzer,  Jacob  Hof- 
man,  Herman  Lauby,  Vereua  Lauby,  Wm.  Keller,  Cath. 
Keller,  Frederick  Appel,  Sarah  Mathias,  Ellen  Stro- 
hecker,  Henry  Stuber,  Joel  Young,  Hannah  Young, 
Rachel  B.  Derr,  Mary  S.  Derr,  Calvin  U.  O.  Derr,  Sam- 
uel Wertz,  Mary  AVertz,  Dr.  Henry  Hagemau,  Elizabeth 
Haas,  Caroline  Seidel. 

The  first  officers  were  these  :  Elders,  Louis  Grebe,  J, 
D.  Taenzer,  Jacob  Hofman  ;  deacons,  Jacob  Stuber,  Wm. 
Keller,  Wm.  J.  Lamm. 

Rev.  Mr.  Derr  brought  his  family  to  Reading  on  Oc- 
tober 13,  1881,  and  took  up  his  residence  at  24  South 
Eighth  street.  He  and  his  family  were  heartily  greeted 
on  the  following  evening  by  a  large  number  of  friends. 


340    ■  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

The  first  comimiuion  was  celebrated  on  Sunday,  Oc- 
tober IG,  with  about  50  communicants.  The  little  flock 
grew  steadily,  now  numbering  62  members,  and  the  pros- 
pects brightened  constantly.  It  was  felt  by  all  that  a 
good  foundation  had  been  laid  and  that  success  would 
surely  follow. 

In  the  following  summer  steps  were  taken  toward  the 
erection  of  a  two-story  church.  In  the  month  of  Septem- 
ber, 1882,  a  lot  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Washington 
and  Cedar  streets,  60  by  60  feet,  was  purchased  from  the 
Cunnius  estate  for  ^2800,  and  on  the  twelfth  day  of  No- 
vember the  corner-stone  of  the  new  church  was  laid.  The 
preliminary  service  was  held  in  the  First  church,  and  Dr. 
B.  Bausman  preached  the  sermon.  Afterward  the  people 
proceeded  in  procession  to  the  site  of  the  new  church,  and 
Pastor  Derr  laid  the  stone  in  the  usual  form.  The  work 
of  erection  proceeded  during  the  winter.  The  first  service 
in  the  basement  was  held  on  Psalm  Sunday  in  March  of 
1883,  and  the  place  was  form  illy  dedicated  on  Sunday, 
April  1,  following.  Rev.  J.  H.  Hartman,  of  Lehightou, 
preached  in  the  morning  and  also  in  the  afternoon,  and 
the  evening  sermon  was  preached  by  Prof.  W.  M.  Reily, 
of  Palatinate  College.  In  the  afternoon  Dr.  C.  F.  Mc- 
Cauley  took  part  in  the  service,  and  Dr.  J.  W.  Steinmetz 
assisted  in  the  evening  service.  In  connection  with  these 
opening  services  one  of  the  members  of  Zion's  congrega- 
tion had  a  singular  experience.  The  congregation  did  not 
feel  able  to  purchase  an  organ  for  use  at  worship,  and 
therefore  had  agreed  to  dispense  with  such  an  instrument 
for  the  present.  During  Saturday  night  this  particular 
member  dreamed  that  as  he  had  entered  the  basement  on 


ZION  S    CHUECH. 


341 


the  morning  of  dedication  an  organ  had  been  there.    When 
he  awoke   in    the   mornintj    he  thontrht    to    himself:  "A 


ZION'S  REFOh^MED  CHURCH   AND   PARSONAGE. 


dream  is  a  dream."     But  in  this  case  it  was   more  than 
that ;  it  was  a    reality  !     When  our   friend   entered   the 


342  HISTORY    OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

church  on  Sunday  morning,  behold,  there  was  the  organ 
which  he  had  seen  in  his  dream  I  The  ffcnerous  firm  of 
Leiubach  cS:  Bro.  had  purchased  an  organ  for  ^135  and 
placed  it  in  the  church  late  on  Saturday  evening.  When 
the  dreamer  saw  the  organ,  the  matter  at  first  appeared  to 
him  as  much  of  a  dream  as  during  the  preceding  night. 

The  audience  room  on  the  second  floor  was  completed 
during  the  following  summer,  and  dedicated  on  Sunday, 
August  26,  1883,  two  years  after  the  organization  of  the 
congregation.  This  was  an  occasion  of  much  joy  to  the 
pastor  and  people.  Dr.  Eli  Keller  preached  the  dedica- 
tory sermon  in  German  in  the  morning  on  P.-alm  87  :  1-3, 
and  Pastor  Derr  dedicated  the  church.  In  the  afternoon 
Dr.  Keller  preached  an  English  sermon  on  Psalm  133. 
In  the  evening  Dr.  X.  Gehr  preached  the  sermon.  The 
church  was  beautifully  decorated  with  flowers,  and  was 
crowded  with  people  at  each  service.  The  services  were 
continued  every  evening  during  the  following  week.  The 
cost  of  the  church  was  about  §5000,  not  including  the  cost 
of  the  lot.  All  the  windows,  pulpit,  reading  desk,  altar 
and  pulpit  furniture,  baptismal  font.  Bibles,  hymu  books, 
etc.,  were  donated  by  members  and  friends. 

On  August  17,  1884,  the  third  anniversary  of  the  con- 
gregation was  celebrated  and  the  debt  on  the  church  paid, 
exce])t  the  lot.  A  large  portion  of  the  money  for  the 
erection  of  the  church  and  the  parsonage,  which  was 
erected  later,  was  collected  by  Pastor  Derr  from  former 
parishioners  and  friends  in  Tamaqun,  INIahanoy  City, 
Slatington  and  Lehighton,  as  well  as  from  numerous 
friends  in  Reading.  None  of  the  popular  methods  of 
doubtful  propriety  were  employed  to  raise  money   for  the 


ZIOX'S    CHURCH.  343 

erection  of  the  church.  The  cougregatiou  dow  numbered 
200  members. 

In  the  year  1885  the  parsonage  on  the  west  side  of  the 
church  was  erected.  The  total  cost  of  the  whole  prop- 
erty— church,  parsonage  and  lot — was  $11,000,  which  was 
remarkably  cheap. 

On  Sunday,  May  30,  1886,  a  severe  thunder  storm 
passed  over  the  city  at  the  time  of  church  service.  In 
Ziou's  church  a  boy,  John  Hassler,  who  was  sitting  near 
a  window,  was  stunned  and  rendered  unconscious  by  the 
lightning.  He  was  carried  into  the  parsonage,  and  re- 
covered during  the  night. 

In  March  of  1887  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society  was  organ- 
ized, which  has  ever  since  been  very  helpful  to  the  con- 
gregation. 

In  March  of  1888  a  Young  People's  Aid  Society  was 
organized.  This  society  has  a  most  pleasing  history. 
The  young  people  always  took  an  active  part  in  the  work 
of  the  congregation,  and  contributed  largely  to  its  finan- 
cial and  moral  success.  It  would  be  difficult  to  find  a 
larger  and  more  vigorous  society  of  young  people  in  any 
other  congregation  of  the  same  size.  In  March  of  1893 
a  Christian  Endeavor  Society  was  organized,  which  has 
ever  since  rendered  helpful  service  in  the  spiritual  work 
of  the  congregation.  At  a  later  period  a  Jr.  C.  E.  Society 
was  also  organized.  There  is  also  a  Kindergarten,  which 
is  conducted  according  to  the  principle  given  by  Frobel. 

On  January  9,  1889,  Reading  was  visited  Ijy  a  cy- 
clone, which  destroyed  the  silk  mill  on  Xorth  Eleventh 
street  during  working  hours.  Sixteen  young  persons  were 
killed,  one  of  them  being  Barbara  Seilheimer,  a  member 
of  Zion's  church.     Four  other  members  were  wounded. 


344  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

On  the  first  of  February,  1890,  the  congregation  be- 
came self-sustaining.  It  had  received  missionary  aid  dur- 
ing less  than  nine  years.  Earnest  efforts  were  made  to 
reach  this  point,  and  it  was  as  gratifying  to  the  congrega- 
tion as  to  the  Board  of  Missions. 

On  August  IG,  1891,  the  tenth  anniversary  of  the 
congregation  was  celebrated.  Twelve  persons  of  the  first 
audience  of  eighteen  on  the  first  Sunday  in  May,  1881, 
were  present.  After  a  stirring  sermon  by  Pastor  Derr 
the  congregation  sang :  "  Herz  und  Herz  vereint  zusam- 
men,"  whilst  these  twelve  persons  came  forward  to  the 
chancel  and  with  tears  of  joy  shook  hands  with  Pastor 
Derr.  The  decorations  of  the  church  included  a  ladder  of 
evergreen  and  flowers  with  ten  rounds  leaning  against 
the  wall. 

During  the  summer  of  1895  the  church  was  greatly 
improved.  The  basement  was  repainted  and  the  audience 
room  refrescoed.  A  beautiful  picture  was  painted  on  the 
wall  in  the  rear  of  the  pulpit  representing  Jesus  instituting 
the  Lord's  Supper.  The  parsonage  was  also  repainted, 
and  one  room  added  to  the  third  story.  The  church  was 
reopened  on  Sunday,  July  28.  It  presented  a  fresh  and 
inviting  appearance. 

Mr.  Daniel  Barlet,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  faithful 
members,  died  on  Sept.  3,  1896,  in  his  8"Gth  year.  He 
was  a  devout  and  conscientious  man.  Some  years  ago  he 
was  api)ointed  watchman  on  the  railroad.  To  his  sorrow  he 
found  that  he  was  required  to  be  at  his  post  on  Sundays. 
This  was  a  severe  trial  to  him.  What  should  he  do?  He 
was  unable  to  perform  hard  labor,  and  easy  situations  were 
not  plenty.  He  concluded  to  accept  the  situation,  but  de- 
termined  to  devote  one-seventh   of  his  earnings   to  the 


zrois's  CHURCH.  345 

cause  of  the  Lord.  He  claimed  it  did  uot  belong  to  him, 
haviug  been  earned  on  the  Lord's  Day.  In  later  years, 
when  on  account  of  age  he  relinquished  his  situation,  he 
gave  the  money  in  question  to  the  cause  of  the  Lord. 

On  March  12,  1897,  the  pastor's  family  was  severely 
bereaved  by  the  sudden  and  unexpected  death  of  their 
only  son,  Rev.  Calvin  U.  O.  Derr,  pastor  of  the  Reformed 
church  at  Spring  City,  Pa.  His  wife  had  preceded  him 
in  death  on  the  fourth  day  of  February  before.  Much 
sympathy  for  the  family  was  manifested. 

In  April,  1897,  Mrs.  Kuoderer,  a  member  of  Zion's 
church,  died,  aged  59  years.  She  was  the  widow  of  the 
distinguished  Col.  Chas.  A.  Kuoderer,  a  member  of  the 
staff  of  Gpu.  Siegel  in  the  Civil  War.  He  was  wounded 
in  the  battle  of  Black  water  on  Jan.  30,  1862,  and  died  on 
Feb.  15,  1863,  aged  36  years.  He  was  buried  on  Charles 
Evans'  cemetery.  He  had  been  a  resident  of  Reading  be- 
fore going  to  war. 

In  August  of  1899  steam  heating  was  introduced  in 
the  church  and  parsonage. 

On  August  18,  1901,  the  twentieth  anniversary  of  the 
congregation  was  celebrated,  when,  as  usual,  large  offer- 
ings were  brought  by  the  people. 

During  the  summer  of  1902  the  church  was  once  more 
improved  by  a  beautiful  wooden  ceiling  in  panels  and  re- 
painting the  interior  and  exterior.  At  the  same  time  the 
painting  in  the  rear  of  the  pulpit  was  removed  and  replaced 
by  a  beautiful  new  painting  representing  the  Ascension  of 
Christ.  Both  paintings  were  by  Mr.  B.  Imhoff,  of  Read- 
ing. The  church  was  reopened  on  Sunday,  August  17. 
The  improvements  cost  $1200,  and  all  was  provided  for. 
23 


346 


HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 


In  the  begiuniug  of  the  year  1{I03  Pastor  Derr  passed 
through  a  spell  of  severe  illuess,  duriug  which  he  was 
unable  to  perform  his  pastoral  work.  His  pulpit  was  sup- 
plied by  various  brethren. 

In  February  of  this  year  the  congregation  resolved  to 
secure  an  assistant  pastor,  and  Rev.  C.  H.  Granim  was 
called  to  this  position,  which  he  acce])ted.  He  entered 
upon  the  w'ork  in  Zion's  church   on  INIay    1,   1903.     Mr. 

Granim  was  born  on  De- 
cember 29,  1878,  at  Ly- 
kens,  Ohio,  and  was  bap- 
tized by  Dr.  Herman 
Rust.  He  was  contirmed 
on  May  14,  1893,  by  his 
father,'  Rev.  H.  J.  F. 
Gramm.  He  studied  in 
Calvin  College,  Cleve- 
land, and  graduated  from 
it  in  1899.  .  In  the  latter 
year  he  entered  Ursinus 
School  of  Theology  in 
Philadelphia  and  gradu- 
ated from  it  in  1902.    He 

Rev.  '■.    II.   (_.i:iinm.  ,.  i  i         i    •         i 

was  licensed  anci  onUuned 
to  the  ministry  by  a  connnittee  of  Toledo  Classis,  July  13? 
1902,  the  committee  consisting  of  Rev.  H.  J.  F.  Gramm, 
Rev.  John  Wernley  and  elder  Eberhard  Gerkins.  Soon 
after  he  accepted  a  call  from  the  Swanton  charge,  consist- 
ing of  four  small  congregations  in  Ohio.  In  1900  Mr. 
Gramm  became  a  student  volunteer  for  foreign  missions. 
He  was  challenged  by  the  Board  of  Foreign   Missions  for 


zion's  church.  347 

au  appoiutmeat  to  either  Japan  or  China  at  its  meeting  in 
December,  1904.  For  reasons  satisfactory  to  himself  and 
the  Board  his  appointment  was  postponed.  Mr.  Gramm 
preaches  in  both  languages. 

As  elsewhere,  the  tendency  toward  the  English  lang- 
uage manifested  itself  in  Zion's  church.  This  was  to  be 
expected.  The  wonder  is  that  it  came  not  earlier  and 
more  decidedly,  in  view  of  the  large  proportion  of  young 
people  in  the  flock.  Several  years  ago  English  services 
were  held  on  one  Sunday  evening  in  each  month.  More 
in  this  line  was  desired,  and  on  Jan.  1,  1904,  the  congre- 
gation resolved  to  have  English  services  every  other  Sun- 
day evening,  instead  of  once  a  month. 

The  Sunday  school  of  Zion's  church  was  organized  in 
the  spring  of  1882  with  about  a  dozen  persons.  The  be- 
ginning was  indeed  small,  but  the  school  soon  increased, 
as  did  the  congregation.  Tlie  superintendents  have  been 
Dr.  L.  K.  Derr,  Chas.  W.  Rickenbach,  John  S,  Guldin, 
D.  J.  Hafer,  Horace  C.  Marcks,  and  Rev.  C  H.  Gramm, 
who  fills  the  position  at  this  time.  The  school  is  graded 
and  has  seven  departments.  A  Teachers'  and  Church 
AVorkers'  Training  Course  is  maintained. 

The  following  persons  have  served  the  congregation  as 
organists :  Emma  E.  Derr  (now  Mrs.  Warren  Lewis), 
Prof.  Sol.  W.  Unger,  Prof.  O.  H.  Unger  and  Mr.  Claude 
Fichthorn. 

Mr.  Jacob  K.Stubcr  has  served  the  congregation  faith- 
fidlv  as  treasurer  from  its  organization  to  this  time. 

In  1905  Zion's  congregation  numbered  590  members, 
and  the  Sunday  school  535  members. 

The  church  officers  in  1905  were  :  Elders,  Jacob  K. 
Stuber,  Louis  F.  Grebe,    Dallas  Kline,   John  G.  Rhine  ; 


3-48  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

deacons,  Jacob  Nolcle,  Sam.  W.  Reiff,  Audrew  N.  Bodey, 
JoliD  J.  Gephart  ;  secretary,    Jacob  Nolde  ;  sexton,  John 

Deboldt. 

Rev.  L.  K.  Derr,  D.  D. 

Levi  Knerr  Derr  was  born  on  April  17,  1832,  in  Le- 
high county,  Pa.,  as  the  son  of  Daniel  Derr  and  his  wife 
Susanna,  nee  Knerr.  He  was  baptized  on  July  2  of  the 
same  year  by  Rev.  John  H.  Helffrich.  The  parents  were 
poor,  and  therefore  compelled  to  put  out  their  children  for 
food  and  raiment  as  soon  as  they  were  able  to  earu  them. 
At  the  tender  age  of  ten  years  the  boy  Levi  was  put  out 
as  child's  nurse.  When  he  was  11|  years  old  the  mother 
died.  From  this  time  on  he  lived  among  strangers.  Dur- 
ing his  earlier  years  his  opportunities  for  schooling  were 
very  meagre.  In  1847  he  was  confirmed  by  the  late  Dr. 
William  A.  Helifrich.  Until  the  fall  of  1851  Mr.  Derr 
worked  upon  the  farm  during  the  summer  and  attended  a 
country  school  during  the  winter.  In  November  of  1851 
he  was  appointed  a  school  teacher  and  served  during  the 
winter.  In  April  of  1852  he  entered  Allentown  Seminary 
to  prepare  himself  for  the  profession  of  teaching.  After 
teaching  another  winter  Dr.  Helffrich  urged  him  to  prepare 
himself  for  the  ministry.  Mr.  Derr  now  returned  to  Al- 
lentown Seminary  and  studied  there  until  the  fall  of  1855, 
when  he  returned  to  the  country.  After  spending  some 
time  in  teaching,  the  young  man  Derr  was  in  the  fiill  of 
1856  invited  by  Dr.  Helffrich  to  resume  his  studies  under 
his  direction,  and  to  reside  with  him,  which  invitation  the 
young  student  accepted.  Mr.  Derr  was  examined  and 
licensed  to  preach  by  East  Pennsylvania  Classis  on  May 
19,^1857.     At  the  same  time  l>e  was  appointed  as  agent  of 


ZrON  S    CHURCH. 


349 


the  classis  to  aid  iu  securiug  a  fuud  of  ^17,000  for  Frank- 
lin and  Marshall  College,  and  he  spent  some  time  success- 
fully in  this  work.  On  August  9,  1857,  Mr.  Derr  was 
ordained  iu  Ziegel  church  by  a  committee  of  East  Penn- 
sylvania Classis,  consisting  of  Rev^s.  I.  H.  Derr,  Chas.  G. 
Herman  and  J.  S.  Dubbs,  as  assistant  to  Dr.  William  A. 
Helffrich,  pastor  of  the  Ziegel  charge.  In  November  of 
the  same  year  he  accepted  a  call  from  St.  John's  church  at 
Tamaqua,  which  he  serv- 
ed in  connection  with 
Lewistown  until  Jauu- 
ary,  1866.  Duriug  tltis 
time  Rev.  Derr  organ- 
ized St.  Paul's  congrega- 
tion in  Mahanoy  City  aud 
superintended  the  erec- 
tion of  its  church  in  1864. 
Toward  the  close  of  1865 
Mr.  Derr  accepted  an  ur- 
gent call  from  St.  Paul's 
church.  He  resigned  the 
pastorate  at  Tamaqua  and 
removed  to  MahanoyCity 
iu  the  beginning  of  18()6. 
During  his  pastorate  at  Mahanoy  City  Rev.  Mr.  Derr,  by 
direction  of  Lebanon  Classis,  organized  Trinity  Reformed 
church  at  Tamaqua  in  1868  and  supplied  it  for  some  time, 
and  confirmed  the  first  class  of  catechumens.  Services 
were  held  in  the  Welsh  church  until  the  Reformed  church 
had  been  completed.  He  labored  iu  Mahanoy  City  until 
April,  1870,  when  he  accepted  a  call   from   the  new  St. 


Derr, 


350  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

John's  congregation  at  Slatington,  Pa.,  which  he  served 
ten  years.  He  also  served  Friedens  church  near  Slating- 
ton, and  during  two  years  supplied  St.  Paul's  church  at 
Cherryville,  Pa.  He  also  preached  at  Slatedale,  although 
there  was  no  congregation  there. 

In  the  spring  of  1874  Rev.  Mr.  Derr  was  by  East 
Pennsylvania  Classis  appointed  to  supply  the  newly  or- 
ganized Zion's  congregation  at  Lehighton,  Pa.,  where  he 
erected  a  church  in  1876.  He  supplied  these  people  until 
the  spring  of  1880,  when  his  health  failed  him,  and  he 
was  compelled  to  resign  his  charge  at  Slatington  and  cease 
supplying  Lehighton.  After  a  year's  rest  his  health  was 
sufficiently  restored  to  enable  him  to  resume  work.  In 
the  spring  of  1881  Mr.  Derr  was  appointed  by  the  Board 
of  Missions  of  the  German  Synod  of  the  East  to  organize 
a  German  congregation  in  Reading.  He  accepted  the 
call  and  entered  upon  the  work  on  the  last  Sabbath  in 
May,  1881,  and  has  since  labored  here. 

In  the  year  1893  the  title  of  D.  D.  was  conferred  upon 
Rev.  Mr.  Derr  by  Ursinus  College. 

On  May  7,  1861,  Mr.  Derr  was  married  to  Miss 
Rachel  B.  Reagan.  This  union  was  blessed  with  one  son 
and  four  daughters.  The  son.  Rev.  Calvin  U.  O.  Derr, 
died  at  Spring  City,  Pa.,  whilst  being  pastor  there,  on 
March  12,  1807,  as  stated  before.  The  daughters  are 
living;. 


SECTION  VI. 

ST.  STErHEiN'S  REFOMED  CHUIICH. 

(Sixth  Congregation.) 

One  of  the  earliest  Reformed  mission  Sunday  schools 
in  Readius:  was  Emanuel's,  which  for  a  considerable 
length  of  time  held  its  sessions  in  the  old  one-story  public 
school  house  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Tenth  and  Wash- 
ington streets.  It  was  organized  in  1864.  During  many 
years'Mr.  John  N.  Bowman  was  the  faithful  and  pains- 
taking superintendent  until  a  short  time  before  his  death. 
After  the  erection  of  the  neat  frame  chapel  on  Tenth 
street,  between  Washington  and  Walnut,  the  school  was 
removed  to  it,  and  conducted  there  until  after  the  failure 
of  the  effort  to  establish  a  German  congregation.  A  small 
German  Sunday  school  was  also  conducted  here  for  some 
time.  The  superintendent  was  Mr.  Martin  Goodhart. 
The  German  school  was  turned  over  to  the  German  con- 
gregation, aud  when  the  latter  was  disbanded,  the  school 
was  also  discontinued.  After  the  sale  of  the  chapel  prop- 
erty the  English  school  was  removed  to  one  of  the  rooms 
of  the  large  public  school  house  on  Tenth  street,  between 
Washington  and  Walnut,  and  there  conducted  until  the 
completion  of  St.  Stephen's  first  church.  It  was  then 
removed  to  that  l)uilding,  and  used  as  a  nucleus  for  the 
organization  of  St.  Stephen's  Sunday  school.  After  the 
death  of  Mr.  John  X.  Bowman  tlic  school  was  superin- 
tended bv  Jonathan  Dorwart,  John  W.  Ranch,  Jefferson 


352  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

Suyder,  esq.,  John  C.  Hoffeditz,  Dr.  J.  G.  Grosscui)  and 
Thomas  D.  Bausher.  The  hitter  was  in  office  when 
Emanuel's  school  was  transferred  to  St.  Stephen's  church, 
and  continued  in  connection  with  the  reoro:auized  school 
until  1903,  a  period  of  twenty  years.  He  was  then 
succeeded  by  Dr.  W.  D.  DeLoug.  When  in  1879  the 
several  mission  schools  were  placed  under  the  care  of 
individual  congregations,  Emanuel's  school  was  committed 
to  the  fostering  care  of  St.  Paul's  church. 

Early  in  the  year  1883  Dr.  Bausman  and  others  re- 
solved to  erect  a  church  and  organize  a  congregation  in 
the  northeastern  part  of  the  city.  For  this  purpose  a  lot 
at  the  southwest  corner  of  Ninth  and  Greenwich  streets, 
40  by  100  feet,  was  purchased  for  $3000,  and  arrange- 
ments were  made  for  the  erection  of  a  church.  The  corner- 
stone was  laid  on  Sunday,  Sept.  2,  1883,  and  the  name  of 
St.  Stephen's  Reformed  church  was  adopted.  The  service 
was  conducted  by  Dr.  B.  Bausman,  assisted  by  Drs.  C.  F. 
McCauley,  H.  Mosser  and  L.  K.  Derr.  Dr.  Mosser  de- 
livered an  address.  The  plan  adopted  provided  for  a 
cue-story  brick  church,  36  by  70  feet,  divided  into  two 
parts,  one  for  the  congregation  and  the  Senior  department, 
and  the  other  for  the  primary  department  of  the  Sunday 
school.     There  was  to  be  an  end  gallery. 

Whilst  the  new  chiu'ch  was  being  erected,  the  friends 
of  the  enterprise  looked  around  for  a  minister  who  was  to 
take  charge  of  the  interest  and  become  the  pastor  of  the 
new  congregation  which  was  to  be  organized.  The  choice 
fell  u])on  Rev.  Dr.  C.  S.  (ierhard,  then  pastor  of  Trinity 
Reformed  church  at  Columbia,  Pa.  A  call  was  extended 
to  him,  and  he  accepted.  He  removed  to  Reading  on 
Nov.  1,  1883,  and  at  once  entered  upon  the  work. 


ST.  Stephen's  chuech.  353 

The  new  church  was  dedicated  on  Sunday  afternoon, 
Dec.  30,  1883.  There  was  a  large  attendance.  Addresses 
were  delivered  by  Drs.  B.  Bausman,  C.  F.  McCauley  and 
H.  Mosser.  Dr.  C.  S.  Gerhard,  the  pastor,  conducted  the 
dedication.  Besides  these,  there  were  also  present  Revs. 
L.  K.  Derr,  J.  AY.  Steinmetz,  F.  W.  Dechant  and  C.  W. 
Levau.  The  church  contained  seats  for  about  400  per- 
sons. The  cost  of  erecting  the  church  was  $4500,  with 
lot  ^7500. 

On  Sunday,  Dec.  21,  1883,  Emanuel's  Sunday  school 
was  transferred  to  the  new  church,  and  reorganized  as  St. 
Stephen's  Reformed  Sunday  school,  with  Thomas  D. 
Bausher,  the  former  superintendent  of  Emanuel's  school, 
as  superintendent,  and  Daniel  S.  Klein  as  assistant  super- 
intendent. The  start  was  made  with  sixty  members.  The 
school  now  grew  rapidly,  and  at  its  first  anniversary  on 
Dec.  21,  1884,  it  had  a  membership  of  307.  Dr.  Gerhard 
commenced  to  hold  services  in  the  church  after  its  com- 
pletion, and  performed  much  missionary  work  in  that  sec- 
tion of  the  city  preparatory  to  the  organization  of  a  con- 
gregation. 

On  Sunday,  March  16,  1884,  Dr.  Gerhard  organized 
St.  Stephen's  Reformed  congregation  with  fifty-seven 
members  as  the  sixth  Reformed  congregation  in  Reading. 
These  officers  were  elected  :  Elders,  Daniel  Bucher,  Dan- 
iel S.  Klein ;  deacons,  Milton  J.  Coller,  G.  Frank  Bard, 
Samuel  Palm.  The  congregation,  as  well  as  the  Sunday 
school,  grew  rapidly  in  numbers.  The  new  church  popu- 
larized the  movement,  and  there  were  promises  of  success. 

In  the  summer  of  1885  an  addition  to  the  front  of  the 
church  was  erected.     The  place  was  intended  as  a  vesti- 


354  HISTORY    OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

bule  and  library  for  the  Sunday  school.  The  addition 
was  dedicated  on  Sunday  afternoon,  Oct.  25.  Dr.  J.  W. 
Steinraetz  preached  the  sermon,  and  the  pastor.  Dr.  C.  S. 
Gerhard,  was  assisted  in  the  services  by  Drs.  B.  Bausman 
and  L.  K.  Derr. 

In  the  fall  of  1886  the  walls  of  the  churcii  were  fres- 
coed, the  walls  having  been  left  plain  when  erected. 
This  improvement  added  greatly  to  the  appearance  of  the 
church. 

In  October  of  1886  a  Missionary  Society  was  organ- 
ized. This  society  has  all  along  been  quite  active,  and 
has  performed  a  large  work  in  the  cause  of  missions.  Its 
zeal  has  been  stimulated  by  the  fact  that  one  of  the  mem- 
bers, Mrs.  Dr.  D.  B.  Schneder,  has  devoted  her  life  to 
work  in  the  foreign  field. 

During  the  summer  of  1888  Dr.  Gerhard  spent  five 
months  on  a  trip  to  Europe,  Egypt  and  Palestine.  Upon 
his  return  home  he  was  given  a  most  hearty  reception  in 
the  church  on  the  evening  of  Sept.  4  by  his  members  and 
other  friends.  The  church  was  crowded.  During  Dr. 
Gerhard's  absence  his  pulpit  was  supplied  by  the  late 
Rev.  Geo.  B.  Walbert,  who  was  then  a  theological  stu- 
dent. At  the  reception  short  addresses  were  delivered  by 
Mr.  Walbcrt  and  Dr.  B.  Bausman,  to  which  Dr.  Gerhard 
responded.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  exercises  the  congre- 
gation sang  the  hymn,  "  Now  thank  we  all  our  God." 
The  consistory  had  gone  to  Philadelphia  to  meet  their 
returning  pastor.  Whilst  abroad  Dr.  Gerhard  attended 
the  sessions  of  the  Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches  in  the 
city  of  London. 

On  January  9,  1889,  Miss  Sallie  Bickel,  a  member  of 
the  congregation  and  of  the  Sunday  school,   was   killed 


ST.  Stephen's  church.  355 

during  the  (lestriictiou  of  the  Reading  silk  mill  by  a 
cyclone.  About  175  persons,  mostly  young  girls,  were  at 
work  in  the  silk  mill  at  the  time  of  the  awful  storm,  aud 
16  of  them  were  killed,  whilst  upward  of  50  others  were 
injured.  (One  member  of  Zion's  church  was  also  killed 
and  four  others  wounded.)  The  calamity  made  a  deep 
impression  upon  the  community. 

In  1889  St  Stephen's  Sunday  school  had  increased  to 
such  a  size  that  more  room  was  imperatively  needed.  It 
was  therefore  resolved  to  erect  an  annex  on  the  southern 
side  of  the  building,  25  by  4(3  feet  in  size.  The  wall  of 
the  church  was  removed  and  a  glass  partition  erected  in 
its  place.  This  extension  increased  the  size  of  the  church 
to  61  by  70  feet.  The  cost  of  the  work  was  $1600.  The 
annex  was  dedicated  on  Sunday,  October  27,  1889,  by  the 
pastor,  Dr.  Gerhard. 

On  Sunday,  May  18,  1890,  Prof.  H.  Y.  Stouer  re- 
signed as  assistant  superintendent  of  the  Sunday  school, 
after  having  served  four  years,  he  having  been  called  to 
become  the  pastor  of  the  new  Riverside  mission. 

On  July  10,  1892,  the  congregation  had  succeeded  in 
paying  off  the  whole  of  the  debt,  and  the  mortgage  was 
burned  on  this  day.  The  church  was  now  free  of  debt, 
and  all  experienced  a  feeling  of  relief. 

The  tenth  anniversary  of  the  congregation  was  cele- 
brated on  Sunday,  March  18,  1894.  Thirty-six  of  the 
original  members  were  present.  The  membership  had 
increased  to  523.  Of  the  sixty  members  of  the  Sunday 
school  when  organized  on  Dec.  21,  1883,  eleven  remained. 
The  school  now  numbered  643  members.  The  congrega- 
tion had  been  receiving  missionary   aid   during  six    years 


356 


HISTORY   OF    EEFORMED    CHURCH. 


until  1890,  M'hen  it  declared  itself  self-supporting.  In 
this  year  a  few  members  contributed  $1100  toward  the 
erection  of  the  Theological  Seminary  building  at  Lan- 
caster. 

On  Sept.  9,  1896,  the  congregation  gave  a  public  re- 
ception to  Dr.  D.  B.  Schneder  and  wife,  who  had  recently 
returned  upon  furlough  from  Japan,  after  having  labored 

there  during  nearly  nine 
years.  This  was  a  most 
interesting  occasion. 
The  church  was  deco- 
rated. Over  the  pul- 
pit were  the  words  in 
large  letters,  "Welcome 
Home."  Dr.C.  S.Ger- 
hard delivered  an  ad- 
dress of  welcome,  and 
among  other  facts  stated 
that  about  nine  years 
previously  he  had  mar- 
ried Dr.  and  Mrs. Schne- 
der in  the  same  church. 
Dr.  Bausman  spoke  in 
behalf  of  the  Reformed 
clergy  of  Reading  and 
the  Foreign  Mission  Board.  Dr.  Schneder  then  re- 
sponded,  and  gave  a  short  account  of  their  trip  to  Japan 
and  of  the  work  there.  At  the  close  of  his  address  all  the 
people  came  forward  and  bade  the  missionary  couple  a 
hearty  welcome  home.  As  stated  before,  Mrs.  Schneder 
was  a  member  of  St.  Stephen's  church  and  school  before 
going  abroad.     During  their  sojourn  in  this  country    the 


Mrs.   D.   B.    Schneder. 


ST.  Stephen's  church.  357 

Schnecler  family  resided  in  Reading.  On  Snnday  even- 
ing, March  27,  1898,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sehneder  delivered 
farewell  addresses  in  St.  Stephen's  church.  Their  two 
young  daughters  sang  a  beautiful  hymn  entitled  "Saved 
by  Grace."  The  Sehneder  family  left  Reading  on  April 
1,  1898,  the  second  time  on-their  long  journey  to  Japan, 
where  they  have  since  labored  at  Sendai. 

In  March  of  1897  the  congregation  took  the  initial 
step  looking  to  the  erection  of  a  new  and  larger  house  of 
worship  by  purchasing  the  house  and  lot  adjoining  the 
church  on  the  south  side  for  .$2900.  The  lot  was  16  by 
100  feet.  The  congregation  now  owned  a  j)lot  of  ground 
56  by  100  feet.  The  intention  was  in  the  near  future  to 
demolish  the  old  church  and  erect  a  larger  and  more  mod- 
ern one  in  its  place. 

On  Sept.  29,  1897,  a  Christian  Endeavor  Society  was 
organized  with  32  members. 

fn  October  of  this  year  the  congregation  started  the 
movement  for  the  new  church.  It  was  resolved  to  erect  a 
church  at  a  cost  of  about  $25,000,  as  soon  as  one-half  of 
this  amount  was  secured  by  subscription. 

A  building  committee  was  appointed,  consisting  of  Dr. 
C.  S.  Gerhard,  D.  C.  Roth  and  John  Wagner.  On  Feb. 
1,  1898,  plans  for  the  new  church  were  adopted,  and  ar- 
rangements were  made  for  the  use  of  the  Railroad  Y.  M. 
C.  A.  hall  at  Eighth  and  Greenwich  streets  as  a  place  of 
worship  during  the  erection  of  the  church. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  following  summer  the  old 
church  and  the  adjoining  dwelling  house  were  demolished 
to  make  room  for  the  new  house  of  worship.  The  con- 
tract for  the  erection  of  ihe  new  church  was  given  to   Mr. 


358 


HLSTOEY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 


George  W.  Beard  for  ^20,000.  The  corner-stone  was  laid 
on  Sunday  afternoon,  July  3,  1898,  by  the  pastor,  Dr.  C\ 
S.  Gerhard.  Dr.  B.  Bausnian  delivered  an  address,  in 
which  he  referred  to  the  orannization  of  Euianucl's  niis- 


ST.  STEPHEN'S    REFORMED  CHURCH. 

siou  school  in  1864  in  the  public  school  house  at  Tenth 
and  Washington  streets,  and  also  spoke  of  the  great  suc- 
cess which  had  attended  the  labors  of  Pastor  (Gerhard. 
Drs.  T.  J.  Hacker  and  J.    ^V .    Stcinnutz    also    delivered 


ST.  Stephen's  church.  359 

addresses.  The  coruer-stoue  was  a  gift  from  Mr.  T.  D. 
Bans  her. 

The  plans  provided  for  a  one-story  church  and  Sun- 
day school  chapel,  covering  the  whole  front  of  the  lot. 
The  fronts  on  Ninth  and  Greenwich  streets  are  of  Denver 
stone,  with  sandstone  base  and  trimmings.  The  church 
was  to  seat  800,  and  the  chapel,  having  galleries  on  three 
sides,  about  700.  The  two  rooms  can  be  thrown  into  one 
by  means  of  a  sliding  partition,  thus  providing  seats  for 
about  1  oOU  persons.  There  is  an  additional  Sunday  school 
room  in  the  basement  with  350  sittings,  thus  providing  a 
combined  seating  capacity  for  over  1800.  There  is  also 
an  assembly  room  in  the  basement  with  cement  floor. 

On  Sunday,  Dec.  4,  1898,  the  Sunday  school  took 
possession  of  tlie  chapel.  The  congregation  from  this 
time  until  the  completion  of  the  audience  room  held  its 
worship  in  the  chapel.  The  formal  opening  took  place  on 
the  following  Sunday,  Dec.  11.  In  the  morning  the  ser- 
mon was  preached  by  Rev.  C.  J.  Musser.  In  the  after- 
noon a  combined  Sunday  school  and  congregational  ser- 
vice was  held.  Greetings  were  brought  and  five-minute 
addresses  delivered  by  Revs.  H.  Mosser,  F.  B.  Hahu,  L. 
K.  Derr,  S.  L.  Krebs,  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh,  C.  E.  Schaeffer, 
J.  P.  Stein,  J.  W.  Steinmetz,  H.  Y.  Stoner,  R.  W.  Miller 
and  B.  Bausmau.  The  choir  of  St.  Paul's  church  fur- 
nished excellent  music  on  this  occasion.  The  chapel  pre- 
sented a  beautiful,  pleasing  appearance,  and  was  generally 
admired.  The  stained  glass  was  furnished  by  J.  M.  Kase 
&  Co.  The  completion  of  the  auditorium  was  delayed 
until  the  following  year. 

In  the  summer  of  1899  the  puljjit  of  the  old  church 
was  forwarded  to  Japan  for  use  in  the  new  church  at  Sen- 


360  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

dai.  Mrs.  D.  B.  Schneder,  whilst  in  this  couutry,  had 
collected  a  large  portion  of  the  money  for  the  erection  of 
the  Sendai  church.  The  pulpit  reached  its  destination  on 
August  13,  1899. 

The  dedication  of  the  complete  new  church  took  place 
on  Sunday,  Nov.  19,  1899,  and  was  conducted  by  the  pas- 
tor, Dr.  C.  S.  Gerhard.  It  was  a  day  of  joy  to  pastor  and 
people.  The  work  for  which  all  had  labored  long  and 
hard  was  about  completed.  In  the  morning  Rev.  Madi- 
son C.  Peters  preached  a  sermon  to  a  congregation  which 
completely  filled  the  beautiful  house  of  worship.  The 
pastor.  Dr.  C.  S.  Gerhard,  stated  that  the  cost  of  the  new 
church  was  §28,000,  not  including  the  lot.  The  whole 
property  represents  a  value  of  §40,000.  A  year  before  a 
mortgage  of  some  thousands  of  dollars  was  placed  upon 
the  property.  On  dedication  day  $5500  remained  un- 
provided for,  and  Dr.  Gerhard  asked  the  people  to  make 
up  this  sum.  Rev.  O.  H.  Strunck  then  made  an  appeal, 
and  during  the  day  cash  and  subscriptions  aggregating 
$6150  were  secured.  At  the  afternoon  service  the  adjoin- 
ing Sunday  school  room  was  thrown  open,  so  that  there 
were  seats  for  about  1500  persons,  and  all  were  occupied. 
Addresses  were  delivered  by  Dr.  H.  Mosser,  Dr.  S.  R. 
Bridenbaugh  and  Rev.  O.  H.  Strunck.  In  the  evening 
the  sermon  was  delivered  by  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner,  when 
the  church  was  again  crowded. 

The  new  chiu'ch  presents  a  splendid  appearance.  The 
style  is  Gothic  throughout.  At  the  corner  is  a  tower  80 
feet  high.  On  each  of  the  four  sides  are  triple  windows. 
At  each  corner  of  it  is  a  copper  turret.  The  top  is  pyra- 
midal, surmounted  with  a   combination   cross   and    circle. 


ST.  stephen'8  church.  361 

The  audieuce  room  is  65  by  73  feet.  It  has  au  opeu  ceil- 
ing of  hard  wood,  natural  finish,  with  exposed  rafters. 
There  are  pews  for  600.  The  choir  loft  holds  40  and  the 
gallery  75.  Room  can  be  provided  for  800.  There  are 
beautiful  stained  glass  windows,  all  of  which  are  memo- 
rials. The  church  is  beautifully  finished  in  hard  wood, 
including  altar  and  pulpit.  The  altar  is  surmounted  by  a 
polished  cross.  The  congregation  now  had  a  beautiful, 
comfortable  church  and  a  well-arranged  Sunday  school 
chapel.  In  less  than  sixteen  years  the  congregation  had 
grown  from  the  original  57  to  nearly  700  members. 

The  summer  of  1901  was  a  sad  one  for  the  pastor  and 
his  family.  On  July  22  their  oldest  son.  Rev.  W.  Glase 
Gerhard,  pastor  of  St.  John's  church.  West  Philadelphia, 
died  in  St.  Joseph's  Hospital  at  the  age  of  29  years  and 
five  days.  The  funeral  was  held  in  St.  Stephen's  church 
on  July  26,  The  cliurch  was  crowded.  Rev.  W.  J. 
Johnson,  an  intimate  friend  of  the  deceased,  and  Dr.  B. 
Bausman  preached  on  tlie  sad  occasion.  A  number  of 
Reformed  ministers  conducted  the  services. 

On  September  10,  less  than  two  months  later,  death 
again  invaded  the  pastor's  home,  and  carried  off  John  M. 
Gerhard,  the  second  son,  aged  27  years,  10  months  and  26 
days.  On  September  14  the  church  was  again  crowded 
by  a  sympathizing  congregation.  Dr.  J.  W.  Steinmetz 
and  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner  preached  the  funeral  sermons. 
jNIuch  sympathy  was  felt  and  manifested  for  the  stricken 
family. 

But  the  cup  of  sorrow  was  not  yet  full.  Dr.  Gerhard, 
the  father,  had  himself  been  a  sufferer  for  some  time,  but 
strong  hopes  were  entertained  for  his  full  restoration.  He 
24 


•362  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

continued  in  his  work,  fre<|Ucntly  assisted  bv  other  minis- 
ters, until  shortly  after  the  following  Easter  season  in 
1902.  He  then  agreed  to  take  rest  during  the  whole 
summer,  the  greater  part  of  which  he  spent  on  the  Pocono 
Mountains  in  Monroe  county,  Pa.  Meanwhile  his  pulpit 
was  regularly  supplied  by  ]\lr.  Calyin  M.  DeLong,  then 
a  member  of  the  Senior  class  in  the  Seminary  at  Lancas- 
ter. Dr.  Gerhard  returned  in  the  early  fall,  and  was 
given  a  hearty  reception  in  his  church  on  Sunday  evening, 
Sept.  7,  1902.  The  church  was  decorated,  and  over  the 
pulpit  were  the  words  "  Welcome  Home."  Dr.  Gerhard 
preached  a  sermon,  and  expressed  his  appreciation  of  the 
good-will  and  kindness  of  his  people.  But  unfortunately 
his  health  had  not  been  restored.  He  realized  that  he 
could  no  louo;er  carry  forward  the  work  which  he  loved 
so  much.  In  the  hope  that  rest  not  only  from  labor,  but 
also  from  care,  would  be  beneticial  to  his  health,  Dr.  Ger- 
hard resigned  in  the  fall  of  1902,  the  resignation  to  take 
elFect  on  the  iirst  of  November.  His  resignation  was 
reluctantly  accepted,  and  he  was  made  pastor  emeritus. 
He  had  labored  in  Reading  nearly  nineteen  years,  and 
given  the  best  part  of  his  busv  life  to  the  building  up  of 
St.  Stephen's  church.  He  had  organized  the  congregation 
on  March  16,  1884,  with  57  members;  now  it  numbered 
750.  He  had  received  1207  persons  into  member-hip  by 
confirmation,  certificate  and  renewal  of  profession,  bap- 
tized 498  persons,  buried  159  and  married  146  couples. 

On  Oct.  5,  1902,  the  congregation  elected  Rev.  T.  W. 
Dickert,  of  Macungie,  Pa.,  pastor.  He  was  serving  his 
first  charge  with  success.  He  accepted  the  call,  and  com- 
menced his  work  on  Nov.  1,  1902. 


ST.  Stephen's  church.  363 

The  work  of  Rev.  C.  S.  Gerhard,  D.  D.,  was  done. 
After  a  short  season  of  further  suffering  he  entered  into 
rest  on  October  29,  1902,  aged  57  years  and  26  days. 
His  death  cast  a  feeling  of  sadness  upon  the  congregation 
and  upon  all  who  had  known  him.  His  funeral  took 
place  in  the  afternoon  of  November  3,  and  was  attended 
by  a  congregation  which  crowded  both  the  auditorium  and 
the  chapel  of  the  church.  At  the  house  a  short  service 
was  conducted  by  Drs.  L.  K.  Derr  and  H.  Mosser.  The 
members  of  the  consistory  served  as  pall-bearers  from  the 
house  to  the  church.  The  bearers  from  the  church  to  the 
cemetery  were  Revs.  H.  Y.  Stoner,  Dr.  J.  W.  Steinmetz, 
Profs.  Wm.  Rupp  and  J.  C.  Bowman,  of  the  Lancaster 
Seminary,  Dr.  E.  N.  Kremer,  Harrisburg,  and  Dr.  C. 
Clever,  Baltimore.  The  large  audience  included  some 
sixty  Reformed  ministers  and  a  considerable  number  of 
ministers  of  various  denominations  of  the  city.  There 
were  many  beautiful  floral  tributes.  Rev.  C.  E.  Schaeffer 
announced  a  hymn,  Rev.  T.  W.  Dickert  read  a  Scripture 
lesson  and  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner  led  in  prayer.  Dr.  R  W. 
Miller  spoke  on  2  Chron.  31  :  21,  and  recounted  the  good 
qualities  of  the  departed.  He  was  followed  by  Dr.  G.  W. 
Richards.  Dr.  B.  Bausman  spoke  on  1  John  3  :  2.  Dr. 
J.  AV.  Steinmetz  led  in  prayer  and  Rev.  C.  E  Creitz  an- 
nounced a  hymn.  Rev.  B.  T.  Callen  read  the  action  of 
the  Ministerium  of  Reading,  and  Rev.  C.  E.  Schaeffer 
read  the  resolutions  adopted  by  Reading  Classis.  Dr.  J. 
P.  Stein  read  a  biographical  sketch  of  the  deceased.  In- 
terment was  made  on  Charles  Evans'  cemetery.  Rev.  T. 
AV.  Dickert  and  Dr.  B.  Bausman  conducted  the  service  at 
the  grave. 


364  HISTORY    OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Thus  withiu  the  space  of  a  little  more  than  fifteen 
months  Dr.  Gerhard  and  bis  two  oldest  sous  were  carried 
off  by  consumption.  Of  the  family  the  mother  and  two 
sons  remain. 

Calvin  S  Gerhard  was  the  son  of  the  late  Kev.  Wm. 
T.  Gerhard  and  his  wife  Elizabeth,  nee  Seibert.  He  was 
born  at  Kiutnersville,  Bucks  county,  Pa.,  Oct.  3,  1845. 
He  was  confirmed  in  1861  at  Petersburg,  Lancaster  county, 
Pa.,  by  his  father,  who  was  then  pastor  of  the  Reformed 
congregation  at  that  place.  He  was  married  on  Oct.  12, 
1871,  to  Emma  Elizabeth  Glase  at  the  residence  of  her 
father,  the  late  B.  A.  Glase,  at  Friedeusburg,  Berks 
county,  Pa.  Mr.  Gerhard  graduated  with  the  highest 
honors  from  Franklin  and  Marshall  College,  Lancaster,  in 
1865.  The  ensuing  two  years  he  spent  as  a  teacher,  first 
as  principal  of  the  Fayetteville  Academy,  and  subsequently 
as  principal  of  the  Oley  Academy.  He  then  pursued  a 
three-years'  course  in  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Mer- 
cersburg,  graduating  in  1870,  and  was  soon  after  licensed 
to  preach  by  Lancaster  Classis.  He  was  ordained  Oct.  4, 
1870,  by  East  Susquehanna  Classis  at  Sunbury  and  be- 
came pastor  of  the  First  Reformed  church,  Sunbury,  on 
Sept.  7,  1870,  and  remained  there  until  July  1,  1879, 
when  he  became  pastor  of  Trinity  Reformed  church,  Co- 
lumbia. At  both  places  he  was  successful,  but  his  great- 
est work  was  performed  in  Reading. 

On  November  1,  1883,  Dr.  Gerhard  removed  to  Read- 
ing for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  new  congregation. 
His  work  here  has  been  recounted  above.  He  applied 
himself  zealously  to  the  work,  and  was  eminently  success- 
ful in  gathering  a  large  congregation.     He  was  a  faithful 


ST.  Stephen's  church. 


365 


pastor^  and  exercised  great  influence  over  his  people.  As 
chairman  of  the  building  committee  he  bestowed  much 
time  and  attention  on  the  erection  of  the  new  church.  Its 
successful  completion  was  a  great  satisfaction  to  him. 

Dr.  Gerhard  took  an  active  interest  in  the  general 
work  of  the  Church,  and  filled  various  positions  of  trust 
and  honor.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  and  the  first 
president  of  the  S.  S. 
Board  of  the  Eeformed 
Church,  and  a  member 
of  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions  until  his  death. 
He  was  president  of  the 
Eastern  Synod  which 
held  its  sessions  in  Har- 
risburg  in  the  fall  of 
1891,  and  president  of 
the  General  Synod  of 
1899,  which  met  in  Tif- 
fin, Ohio.  In  ]  891  he 
received  the  honorary 
degree  of  D.  D.  from 
Franklin  and  Marshall 

ColleS'e  Rev.  C.  S.  Gerhard,  D.  D. 

Dr.  Gerhard  was  a  frequent  contributor  to  the  church 
papers  and  also  to  the  Reformed  Revieic.  In  the  spring 
of  1895  he  published  a  volume  entitled  "Death  and  the 
Resurrection."  From  December,  1885,  to  February,  1888, 
he  was  a  member  of  the  Reading  School  Board,  and  al- 
ways took  a  deep  interest  in  education,  good  government 
and  the  welfare  of  the  city. 


366  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

Rev.  T.  W.  Dickert  was  installed  on  Sunday  morning, 
Nov.  23, 1902,  by  a  committee  of  Reading  Classis.  Revs. 
H.  Y.  Stoner  and  C.  E.  Schaeffer  delivered  addresses,  and 
Rev.  C.  E.  Creitz  conducted  the  installation. 

On  Sunday,  March  1,  1903,  services  were  held  in  the 
church  in  memory  of  the  late  Dr.  C.  S.  Gerhard.  In  the 
morning  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner  preached  a  sermon  on  Dr. 
Gerhard  as  a  man,  preacher  and  pastor,  and  Rev.  T.  W. 
Dickert,  the  new  pastor,  spoke  of  him  as  a  scholar,  theo- 
logian and  author.  The  pulpit,  reading  desk  and  altar 
were  draped  in  black,  and  there  were  decorations  of  palms 
and  bouquets  of  roses  and  carnations.  The  Sunday  school 
held  a  memorial  service  in  the  afternoon.  Addresses  on 
the  life  and  works  of  the  deceased  pastor  were  made  by 
Dr.  W.  D.  DeLong,  S.  P.  Faust,  M.  J.  Coller,  A.  J.  Shar- 
tle.  Rev.  D.  W.  Gerhard,  of  Lancaster,  brother  of  the  de- 
ceased, and  Pastor  Dickert. 

In  the  spring  of  1903  the  auditorium  of  the  new  church 
was  frescoed,  and  the  church  was  reopened  for  worship  on 
May  31.  The  cost  of  the  improvement  was  S600,  and  it 
added  much  to  the  appearance  of  the  room.  The  cost  was 
borne  by  the  Womeus'  Aid  Society. 

Several  years  before  his  death  the  late  Dr.  C.  S.  Ger- 
hard succeeded  in  securing  a  $6000  organ  as  a  donation 
from  Mr.  Andrew  Carnegie.  There  was  much  delay  in 
furnishing  the  instrument.  It  was  finally  placed  into  po- 
sition in  the  fall  of  1903.  The  organ  was  dedicated  and 
the  frescoed  auditorium  rededicated  on  Sunday,  Oct.  22, 
1903.  Three  services  were  held.  For  the  special  services 
the  church  had  been  splendidly  decorated.  The  morning 
service  was  in  charge  of  the  pastor,  Rev.  T.  W.  Dickert, 


ST.  Stephen's  church.  367 

and  the  ninsio  by  the  church  choir  under  the  direction  of 
the  organist,  J.  Wilson  Klein.  Dr.  J.  H.  Dubbs,  of 
Franklin  and  Marshall  College,  preached  the  sermon  on 
Psalm  27  :  4.  Brief  addresses  were  delivered  in  the  af- 
ternoon by  Dr.  Dnbbs  and  Mr.  C.  H,  Leinbach,  superin- 
tendent of  St.  Andrew's  Sunday  school.  At  3.30  p.  m. 
the  dedication  was  conducted  by  the  pastor.  The  Second 
Reformed  church  choir  and  organist.  Prof.  W.  S.  Hollen- 
back,  furnished  the  music.  Revs.  Dr.  James  I.  Good,  C. 
E.  Creitz,  Dr.  J.  W.  Stein metz  and  Dr.  L.  K.  Derr  pre- 
sented greetings  from  their  respective  congregations.  At 
the  evening  service  over  1000  persons  were  present.  Rev. 
Dickert  had  charge  of  the  service  and  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner 
preached  the  sermon.     The  pastor  also  spoke. 

The  large  and  splendid  new  organ  is  built  on  the  south 
side  of  the  auditorium  at  the  choir  loft.  It  is  a  three- 
manual  organ  with  46  stops,  1848  pipes,  41  pistons  and  7 
pedal  movements.  It  has  a  quartered  white  oak  casing, 
is  9  by  24  feet  in  dimensions  and  22J  feet  high.  An 
electric  motor  furnishes  the  power.  The  organ  is  a  su- 
perior instrument,  gives  full  satisfaction,  and  is  much  ap- 
preciated. The  congregation  was  fortunate  in  having  the 
whole  cost  donated,  since  Mr.  Carnegie  subsequently 
adopted  the  rule  of  paying  only  one-half  the  cost  of  church 
organs. 

Mr.  Milton  J.  Coller  served  faithfully  as  librarian  of 
Emanuel's  and  subsequently  of  St.  Stephen's  Sunday 
school  during  twenty-five  years.  He  completed  this  long 
terra  of  service  on  Nov.  1,  1904,  when  he  withdrew  from 
the  position  and  was  made  librarian  emeritus.  He  also 
served  long  as  a  member  of  the  consistory. 


368  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

Three  young  meu  of  St.  Stephen's  congregation  have 
entered  the  ministry  of  the  Reformed  Church — H.  Y. 
Stouer,  now  of  Reading  ;  Andrew  H.  Smith,  now  of  Tom's 
Brook,  Va.,  and  the  late  W.  Glase  Gerhard,  at  the  time 
of  his  death  pastor  of  St.  John's  church.  West  Philadel- 
phia, Pa. 

In  the  spring  of  1905  a  bell  was  procured  and  hung 
in  the  tower  of  the  church.  It  weighs  2000  pounds.  The 
diameter  at  the  rim  is  46  inches.  The  bell  has  a  fine  tone. 
It  is  inscribed  ''  Behold,  I  Bring  You  Good  Tidings,"  and 
below  this  motto,  "Easter,  1905."  The  cost  was  §600. 
The  bell  was  rung  for  the  first  time  to  call  the  people  to- 
gether for  worship  on  Easter  Sunday,  1905.  It  was 
formally  dedicated  on  Sunday,  May  28,  following,  when 
Dr.  James  I.  Good  preached  the  sermon. 

We  herewith  give  the  names  of  the  several  societies  in 
St.  Stephen's  church,  with  the  dates  of  their  organization  : 
Ladies'  Aid  Society,  January  1,  1885;  Missionary  So- 
ciety, 1886;  Young  Peoples'  Society  of  Christian  En- 
deavor, September  29,  1897;  Mission  Band,  1902;  Ju- 
nior Young  People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor, 
1903;  Ushers'  Association,  April  13,  19o:i. 

In  1905  St.  Stephen's  church  numbered  1020  mem- 
bers and  the  Sunday  school  1150  members. 

The  officers  of  the  congregation  in  1905  were  :  Elders, 
Milton  J.  Coller,  Dr.  J.  K.  Seaman,  Joseph  R.  Roth, 
Henry  S.  Bernhart ;  deacons,  Lemon  H.  Hertz,  Cuvier 
G.  Grube,  Dr.  W.  D.  DeLong,  Samuel  P.  Faust,  Albert 
M.  Weyandt,  Thomas  Z.  Bright ;  secretary,  Joseph  ]\. 
Roth;  treasurer,  Dr.  J.  K.  Seaman;  organist,  J.  Wilson 
Klein  ;  sexton,  F.  S.  Hann. 


ST.  Stephen's  chuech. 


369 


Rev.  Thomas  W.  Dickert,  the  present  pastor,  was 
born  on  March  9,  1809,  at  Zion  Hill,  Bucks  county,  Pa., 
as  the  son  of  Thomas  R.  and  Lavina  H.  (Mininger)  Dick- 
ert. His  preparatory  education  was  secured  in  the  High 
School  at  Quakertown  and  in  Ulrich's  Preparatory  School 
at  Bethlehem.  In  1890  he  entered  Franklin  and  Mar- 
shall College  and  graduated  from  it  in  1894.  In  the  lat- 
ter year  he  entered  the 
Theological  Seminary, 
from  which  he  gradu- 
ated in  1897.  On  June 
2,  1897,  he  was  ex- 
amined and  licensed  by 
the  Tohickon  Classis  at 
South  Bethlehem,  Pa. 
Having  received  and 
accepted-  a  call  from 
Macungie  charge,  Mr. 
Dickert  was  ordained 
and  installed  on  June 
12,  1897,  by  a  commit- 
tee of  Lehigh  Classis, 
consisting  of  Revs.  T. 
J.  Hacker,  M.  H.  Die- 
fenderfer  and  Dr.  W.  R.  Hoiford.  He  resigned  the  pas- 
torate at  Macungie  on  November  1,  1902,  and  accepted 
the  call  of  St.  Stephen's  church  in  Reading,  where  he  has 
since  been  laboring  with  success.  On  June  8,  1897,  Rev. 
Mr.  Dickert  was  married  to  JNIiss  Rebecca  Bettiger  by 
Revs.  F.  J.  Mohr  and  B.  F.  Luckenbill.  One  child  has 
been  born  to  them. 


Rev.  T.  W.   Dickert. 


SECTION  VII. 

ST.  THOMAS^  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

(Seventh  Congregation  ) 

The  late  Dr.  A.  S.  Leiubach  was  pastor  of  the  Re- 
formed Alsace  church  from  1871  to  July,  1895,  at  which 
latter  date  he  withdrew  from  the  active  ministry.  This 
congregation  is  the  oldest  in  this  region,  having  been  or- 
ganized about  the  year  1740,  some  eight  years  before  the 
city  of  Reading  was  laid  out.  The  church  stands  right 
on  the  northeastern  city  line.  About  one-half  of  the 
members  reside  in  the  city,  which  has  for  years  been  grow- 
ing rapidly  in  the  direction  of  the  church. 

On  December  15,  1889,  Dr.  Leinbach  commenced  to 
hold  services  in  the  public  school  house  at  the  corner  of 
Twelfth  and  Windsor  streets.  The  attendance  was  from 
the  beginning  encouraging.  Dr.  L.  was  aided  in  the  work 
by  his  sou,  Rev.  John  H.  Leiubach,  who  was  his  father's 
assistant  in  his  large  charge.  The  son  died  on  August  25, 
1895,  aged  42  years,  8  months  and  11  days.  On  January 
12,  1890,  a  Sunday  school  was  organized  at  the  same 
place  with  57  scholars  and  15  teachers.  Mr.  Milton  Sny- 
der was  made  superintendent. 

On  April  13,  1890,  St.  Thomas'  Reformed  congrega- 
tion was  orgauized  in  the  school  house  with  51  members 
as  the  seventh  Reformed  church  in  the  city.  Two  elders, 
four  deacons  and  three  trustees  were  elected,  and  ordained 
and  installed  by  Dr.  Leinbach.     Their  names  are  as  fol- 


ST.    THOMAS'    CHURCH.  371 

lows  :  Elders,  John  8.  Duukle,  John  H.  Snyder  ;  deacons, 
D.  V.  R.  Lndvvig,  John  S.  Oxenreider,  James  S.  Keiser, 
Albert  J.  Frezeman  ;  trustees,  Paul  M.  Webber,  Jacob 
C.  Snyder,  Jacob  Reech.  Measures  were  at  once  taken 
for  the  erection  of  a  church.  A  congregation  seldom  flour- 
ishes in  a  school  house.  But  where  should  the  church  be 
located  ?  Mr.  Jacob  B.  Fricker,  who  has  done  a  great  deal 
for  many  of  the  Reformed  churches  in  Reading,  made  an 
earnest  appeal  for  aid  to  Messrs.  John  Rick  and  AVilliam 
Madeira,  who  owned  a  tract  of  laud  on  North  Eleventh 
street,  between  Douglass  and  Windsor.  These  gentlemen 
generously  donated  a  lot  of  ground  for  the  new  church  at 
the  corner  of  Windsor,  80  by  110  feet.  A  building  com- 
mittee was  now  appointed,  and  the  resolution  adopted  to 
erect  a  stone  church,  60  by  90  feet.  Mr,  A.  F.  Smith,  of 
Reading,  drew  the  plans.  The  congregation  was  incor- 
porated on  October  5,  1890. 

The  corner-stone  was  laid  on  Sunday  afternoon,  Oct. 
19,  1890,  during  the  sessions  of  the  Eastern  Synod  in  the 
First  church.  Unfortunately  the  weather  was  very  un- 
favorable. The  stone  was  laid  by  Dr.  Leinbach.  Ad- 
dresses were  made  by  Rev.  W.  M.  Landis  in  German  and 
Rev.  Geo.  B.  Walbert  in  English.  Both  these  have  since 
died.  It  was  at  first  supposed  that  the  church  would  cost 
about  '$15,000,  but  when  it  was  finally  completed,  the 
total  cost  was  about  $50,000. 

The  first  service  in  the  basement  was  held  on  Sunday, 
October  18,  1891,  and  the  basement  was  formally  opened 
one  week  later,  October  25.  Dr.  Leinbach  was  assisted 
in  the  services  by  Revs.  S.  L.  Krebs,  N.  Gehr,  D.  D.,  J. 
W.  Steinmetz,  D.  D.,  B.  Bausman,  D.  D.,  Henry  Mosser, 


372 


HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 


D.  D.,  and  Jas.  I.  Good,  D.  D.  The  basement  is  divided 
into  three  parts  for  Sunday  school  purposes,  and  these 
can  be  thrown  into  one.  The  seating  capacity  is  about 
500. 

During  a  severe  storm  on  Nov.  23,  1891,  the  scaifold- 
ing  at  the  church  was  blown  down,  and  the  partly  com- 
pleted steeple  bent  out  of  position. 

In  the  spring  of  1892  Dr.  Leinbach  resigned  as  pastor 

on  account  of  his  large 
charge  and  his  increasing 
age.  He  had  aided  the 
congregation  liberally, 
both  financially  and 
otherwise. 

On  June5, 1892,  Rev. 
John  P.  Stein,  of  Mil- 
lersville,  Pa.,  was  elected 
pastor,  and  he  accepted 
the  call.  He  was  in- 
stalled on  July  17  fol- 
lowing. Dr.  J.  W.  Steiu- 
metz  spoke  in  German 
and  Dr.  H.  Mosser  in 
Rev.  A.  s.  Leinvjach,  D.  D.  English,  whilst  Dr.  S.  R. 

Bridenbaugh  conducted  the  installation.     The  consistory 
then  came  forward  and  greeted  their  new  pastor. 

The  congregation  continued  to  worship  in  the  base- 
ment until  the  spring  of  1900.  At  this  time  several  gen- 
erous gentlemen  of  St.  Paul's  church  came  forward  and 
by  their  gifts  made  it  possible  to  complete  the  audience 
room  on  the  second  floor.     The  church  is  finished  in  hard 


ST.    THOMAS     CHURCH. 


373 


Avood,  aud  the  pulpit  and  fiiruitiire  are  made  of  quartered 
oak.  The  gallery  front  is  also  of  oak,  surmounted  by  a 
neat  iron  railing.  The  pews  were  bought  of  the  Second 
Reformed  congregation,  aud  were  those  in  use  before  the 
rebuilding  of  that  church.     The  seating    capacity  of  the 


ST.  THOMAS'   REFORMED  CHURCH. 

main  floor  aud  of  the  gallery  is  about  800.  There  are 
many  beautiful  windows,  all  memorials.  The  large  win- 
dow on  the  north  side  represents  the  Good  Shepherd,  aud 
is  in  memory  of  Revs.  A.  S.  and  John  H.  Leinbach.    The 


374  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

large  window  on  the  south  side  represents  "  Christ  Knock- 
ing at  the  Door,"  and  is  in  memory  of  Isaac  W.  and  Cath- 
erine Levau  and  Lovina  M.  George.  The  middle  panel 
of  this  large  window  was  donated  by  Mrs.  J.  P.  Stein. 
The  pulpit  and  altar  are  also  memorials.  The  completed 
church,  including  the  furuishiug,  is  valued  at  about  $50,- 
000.     There  is  a  debt  of  ^6000  resting  upon  the  church. 

The  dedication  of  the  completed  church  took  place  on 
June  17,  1900.  In  the  morning  Dr.  J.  S.  Stahr  preached 
the  sermon,  s-nd  was  followed  by  Rev.  D.  B.  Albright  in 
a  German  address.  In  the  afternoon  addresses  were  de- 
livered by  various  city  pastors,  who  congratulated  the 
congregation  on  the  completion  of  their  church.  In  the 
evening  Rev.  J.  Calvin  Leinbach  preached  the  sermon,  and 
Rev.  T.  M.  Yundt  followed  in  an  address.  After  this  the 
pastor,  Rev.  J.  P.  Stein,  D.  D.,  formally  dedicated  the 
church.  The  services  were  continued  during  the  week 
following,  with  sermons  by  Revs.  C.  E.  Creitz,  T.  H. 
Leinbach,  S.  A.  Leinbach,  Samuel  H.  Stein  and  J.  R. 
Stein,  the  latter  two  being  nephews  of  the  pastor.  It  was 
a  season  of  gladness  for  all  interested  in  St.  Thomas' 
church. 

During  the  summer  of  the  same  year  (1900)  steam 
heating  was  introduced  in  the  church  at  an  expense  of 
about  ^1 600. 

The  congregation  was  aided  by  the  Board  of  Missions 
in  supporting  the  pastor  until  1900,  when  the  church 
became  self-supporting. 

On  July  G,  1902,  the  tenth  anniversary  of  the  pastor- 
ate of  Dr.  J,  P.  Stein  was  celebrated.  The  i)astor  preached 
an  historical  sermon. 


ST.    THOMAS'    CHURCH.  375 

It  the  fall  of  1901  Pastor  Stein  succeeded  iu  securing 
a  splendid  church  organ  as  a  donation  from  Mr.  Andrew 
Carnegie.  There  being  many  other  donations  ahead  of 
this  one,  considerable  time  elapsed  before  the  organ  could 
be  delivered.  It  reached  Heading  in  the  latter  part  of 
April,  1903,  packed  in  seventy  boxes.  Meanwhile  the 
congregation  had  reconstructed  the  organ  -loft  at  an  ex- 
pense of  $515,  which  was  paid  at  once.  The  organ  cost 
$6000,  and  was  a  free  gift  from  Mr.  Carnegie.  It  has  a 
front  of  17  feet,  depth  of  10  feet  and  a  height  of  25  feet, 
with  a  side  chamber  10  by  12  feet  for  the  bellows  and 
pipes.  It  is  a  tirst-class  instrument,  and  gives  full  satis- 
faction. 

The  dedication  of  the  new  organ  took  place  on  Sun- 
day, June  14,  1903.  Prof.  Geo.  W.  Richards  preached 
the  sermon  iu  the  moruiug.  In  the  afternoon  Rev.  H.  H. 
Rupp  preached,  and  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner  in  the  evening. 
The  dedication  was  conducted  by  the  pastor. 

In  the  fall  of  1904  the  old  walnut  pews  were  removed 
to  the  gallery  and  new  pews  secured  for  the  main  floor. 
The  cost  was  $1350,  and  was  borne  by  the  Ladies'  Aid 
Society  and  the  Sunday  school.  These  old  walnut  pews 
were  made  about  fifty  years  ago  at  the  time  of  the  erection 
of  the  Second  church  from  trees  grown  in  the  vicinity  of 
Reading.     Such  trees  are  no  longer  found  iu  this  region. 

In  1892  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society  was  organized,  and 
did  a  good  work  in  aiding  the  congregation  financially. — 
St.  Thomas'  League  was  organized  in  1893,  and  iu  1905 
it  was  merged  into  a  Christian  Endeavor  Society. — The 
Missionary  Society  was  organized  in  1900.  The  latter 
society  is  applying  all  its  funds  to  the  cause  of  missions. 


376 


HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 


In  1905  St.  Thomas'  church  numbered  392  members 
and  the  Sunday  school  578  members.  Mr.  Eugene  F. 
Hendricks  is  at  present  superintendent  of  the  Sunday- 
school. 

In  1905  the  officers  of  St.  Thomas'  church  were: 
Elders,  Jacob  C.  Snyder,  Louis  C.  Kremer,  Samuel 
George  ;  deacons,  William  Boyer,  Albert  J.   Frezeman, 

Howard  Weyant,  Hen- 
ry S.  Yociim,  Charles 
D.  Shearer,  Eugene  C. 
Wolfe ;  secretary.  Alb. 
J.  Frezeman ;  treasurer, 
Eugene  C.  Wolfe ;  or- 
ganist,  Stanley  A. 
Keast ;  sexton,  John  S. 
Klein. 

John  Philip  Stein, 
eldest  sou  of  Daniel  and 
Catherine  Stein, iief?  For- 
ney, was  born  June  11, 
1836,  at  Aunville,  Leb- 
anon county,  Pa.  He 
was  baptized  in  infancy 
by  Rev.  Henry  Wag- 
ner, pastor  of  tlie  Anuville  congregation,  and  was  con- 
firmed in  October,  1851,  by  Rev.  Dr.  F.  W.  Kremer  at 
Lebanon,  Pa.  Dr.  Stein  received  his  early  literary  train- 
ing under  the  instruction  of  Daniel  Balsbaugh  in  the  Anu- 
ville Academy.  He  entered  Franklin  and  Marshall  Col- 
lege at  Lancaster  in  1857,  and  was  graduated  in  1861. 
In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  lie  entered  the   Theological 


Rev.  J.  P.  Stein,  D.  D. 


ST.    THOMAS'    CHURCH.  377 

Seminary  at  Mercersburg,  and  completed  the  third  year 
of  his  course  in  June,  1864,  in  Union  Theological  Semi- 
nary in  New  York.  Dr.  Stein  was  licensed  and  ordained 
as  a  missionary  on  July  25,  18G4,  by  Lebanon  Classis  in 
the  First  Reformed  church,  Lebanon,  Pa.,  and  entered 
upon  his  labors  at  Tremont  and  Donaldson,  Schuylkill 
county,  Pa.  He  was  duly  elected  pastor  of  St.  John's 
church,  Schuylkill  Haven,  on  October  9,  1864,  and  en- 
tered upon  the  work  in  November,  1864.  On  April  1, 
1871,  he  became  pastor  of  Trinity  Reformed  church, 
Pottsville.  On  April  1,  1882,  Dr.  Stein  became  mission- 
ary pastor  of  St.  John's  Reformed  church,  Philadelphia, 
then  located  on  the  corner  of  Haverford  and  Wyoming 
streets.  On  account  of  the  increasing  infirmities  of  his 
wife  he  resigned  this  charge  in  December,  1883.  He  ac- 
cepted a  call  to  the  Millersville  congregation,  consisting 
of  three  congregations,  and  entered  upon  his  pastoral 
labors  on  January  1,  1884.  In  1892  Dr.  Stein  waselect(d 
pastor  of  St.  Thomas'  Reformed  church,  Reading,  Pa., 
then  under  the  care  of  the  Mission  Board.  He  entered 
upon  his  labors  here  on  July  1,  1892.  Dr.  Stein  was 
successful  in  reducing  two-thirds  of  the  indebtedness,  com- 
pleted the  church  at  a  cost  of  $10,000  and  has  it  paid, 
and  in  1900  made  the  congregation  self-supporting.  In 
1899  the  title  of  D.  D.  was  conferred  upon  Pastor  Stein 
by  Franklin  and  Marshall  College. 
.    '      25 


SECTION  VIII. 

OLIVET  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

(Eighth  Congregation.) 

In  North  Reading,  beyond  Charles  Evans'  cemetery,  a 
small  Sunday  school  was  conducted  in  the  old  public 
school  house.  Mr.  John  Shepp  was  superintendent.  A 
considerable  number  of  Reformed  families  resided  in  that 
place.  Some  of  them  belonged  to  the  First  church,  others 
to  Alsace  church.  About  the  beginning  of  the  year  1890 
these  people  appealed  to  Dr.  H.  Mosser,  pastor  of  the 
First  church,  for  assistance.  Upon  consideration  the  First 
church  agreed  to  take  the  school  .  under  its  care,  and  to 
give  it  needed  aid.  The  First  church  had  been  maintain- 
ing a  mission  school  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  city, 
known  as  St.  Mark's  school,  since  May  6,  1883.  It  was 
now  concluded  to  unite  these  two  schools  under  the  name 
of  Riverside  mission,  and  to  call  a  minister  who  would  or- 
ganize congregations  at  both  places,  and  serve  them  as 
pastor.     This  was  done  with  success. 

By  permission  of  Classis  Prof.  Henry  Y.  Stoner  was 
called  as  missionary  to  labor  in  this  particular  field.  He 
was  an  elder  in  St.  Stephen's  Reformed  church,  and  prin- 
cij)al  of  the  luter-State  Commercial  College.  He  had 
been  pursuing  a  course  of  theological  studies.  He  was 
examined  and  licensed  by  Schuylkill  Classis.  Mr.  Stoner 
was  ordained  to  the  ministry  in  the  First  church  on  the 
evening  of  May  18,  1890,  by  a  committee  of  said  Classis, 


OLIVET    CHURCH.  379 

coDsistiug  of  the  Heading  pastors,  with  Dr.  H.  Mosscr  as 
chairman.  Drs.  H.  Mosser,  C  F.  McCauley,  B.  Baus- 
mau,  C.  S.  Gerhard,  L.  K.  Derr  and  R.  W.  Miller  united 
in  the  laying  on  of  hands.  INIr.  Stoner  was  at  the  same 
time  appointed  as  pastor  of  Riverside  mission.  He  en- 
tered upon  the  work  with  enthusiasm,  and  his  labors  were 
blessed  with  success. 

On  Saturday  evening,  June  7,  of  the  same  year  (1890), 
Rev.  Mr.  Stoner  organized  Olivet  Reformed  congregation 
in  North  Reading  with  36  members,  as  the  eighth  congre- 
gation in  the  city.  These  officers  were  elected  :  Elders, 
Lewis  Riegel,  Sr.,  Wm.  B.  Gross;  deacons,  H.  S.  Young, 
Edward  Conner.  On  the  following  evening,  Sunday, 
June  8,  these  officers  were  ordained  and  installed.  At  the 
same  time  it  was  decided  to  erect  a  church  in  the  near 
future,  and  a  building  committee  was  appointed,  with 
Rev.  Mr.  Stoner  as  chairman. 

Mrs.  D.  R.  Althouse  donated  a  well-located  lot  on 
Centre  avenue,  valued  at  $1200,  and  the  work  of  erecting 
a  church  was  commenced  without  delay.  Ground  was 
broken  on  July  7,  1890.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Stoner  on  Sunday,  September  7.  Addresses  were 
delivered  by  Dr.  H.  Mosser  and  Dr.  B.  Bausman.  Be- 
sides these  there  were  present  Drs.  J.  W.  Steinmetz,  L. 
K.  Derr,  C.  S.  Gerhard,  R.  W.  Miller  and  J.  F.  DeLong. 
There  were  placed  in  the  corner-stone  a  Bible,  hymn 
book,  church  and  city  papers  and  a  history  of  the  congre- 
gation. 

The  church  was  dedicated  on  Sunday,  Feb.  15,  1891. 
It  is  a  neat  building,  44  by  54  feet,  erected  of  brick  laid 
in  black  mortar.     The  seating  capacity  is  400.     The  win- 


380 


HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 


dows  are  of  stained  glass.  The  cost  of  the  church  was 
$6200.  On  the  dedication  day  the  sura  of  S450  was 
secured.     The  Sunday  school  raised  nearly  $400   for  the 


OLIVET  REFORMED  CHUr^CH. 


erection  of  the  church.  A  debt  of  $4175  remained  on  the 
church.  This  debt  was  gradually  reduced,  and  is  now 
small. 


OLIVET    CHURCH.  381 

On  the  day  of  dedication  Dr.  R.  W.  INIiller  preached 
in  the  morning.  The  dedication  proper  took  place  in  the 
afternoon,  conducted  by  the  pastor,  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner. 
The  dedicatory  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  O.  H. 
Strunck,  of  Schuylkill  Haven,  on  Isaiah  60  :  13.  Besides 
the  ministers  already  mentioned  there  were  present  at  this 
service  Drs.  Mosser,  Bausman,  Steinmetz,  Gerhard  and 
Miller.  The  people  of  North  Reading  were  now  really 
happy.  They  had  a  neat  house  of  worship,  and  all  were 
pervaded  by  an  earnest,  active  spirit. 

On  the  following  Thursday  evening,  Feb.  19,  1891, 
Rev.  Mr.  Stoner  was  installed  as  pastor  of  Olivet  church. 
Addresses  were  delivered  by  Drs.  H.  Mosser  and  J.  W. 
Steinmetz.  The  committee  of  Schuylkill  Classis  con- 
sisted of  Drs.  H.  Mosser,  J.  W.  Steinmetz,  R.  W.  Miller 
and  Jas.  I.  Good. 

Rev.  Mr.  Stoner  served  the  congregation  in  connection 
with  St.  Mark's  congregation  until  Dec.  31,  1894,  when  he 
resigned.  He  had  found  the  work  of  the  two  congrega- 
tions in  connection  with  his  school  work  too  laborious. 

Olivet  congregation  was  now  made  a  separate  charge. 
Rev.  Daniel  W.  Albright,  then  pastor  of  St.  Paul's  church, 
Manheim,  a  native  of  Reading,  was  called  to  the  pastor- 
ate. He  accepted  the  call,  and  preached  his  introductory 
sermon  on  Sunday  evening,  Jan.  20,  1895.  He  M-as  in- 
stalled as  pastor  on  Sunday  afternoon,  Jan.  27,  by  Revs. 
H.  Mosser,  J.  P.  Stein  and  F.  B.  Hahn,  a  committee  of 
Schuylkill  Classis. 

Rev.  Mr.  Albright  was  popular  and  beloved  by  the  peo- 
ple, but  unfortunately  his  usefulness  was  of  short  dura- 
tion.    His  health  failed,  and  he  died  on  March  20,  1897, 


382  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

aged  35  years,  4  months  and  20  days.  His  death  was 
sincerely  mourned  by  many.  Mr.  Albright  was  born  and 
reared  in  Reading  as  the  son  of  Mrs.  Mary  Jane  and  the 
late  Henry  M.  Albright.  He  was  a  son  of  St.  Paul's 
church,  in  whose  bosom  he  grew  up,  and  was  confirmed 
by  Dr.  Bausmau.  He  studied  in  the  Reading  schools, 
Franklin  and  Marshall  College,  from  which  he  graduated 
in  1886,  and  Lancaster  Seminary,  from  which  he  grad- 
uated in  May  of  1890.  He  was  soon  after  examined  and 
licensed  by  Schuylkill  Classis.  He  received  and  accepted 
a  call  from  St.  Paul's  Reformed  church  at  Mauheim,  Pa., 
and  was  ordained  and  installed  on  November  2,  1890,  by 
a  committee  of  Lancaster  Classis,  consisting  of  Drs.  E.  V. 
Gerhart,  J.  S.  Stahr  and  J.  H.  Dubbs.  In  the  summer 
of  1896  he  attended  the  meeting  of  the  Alliance  of  Re- 
formed Churches  at  Glasgow,  Scotland.  Mr.  Albright 
was  survived  by  his  mother  and  one  brother.  His  funeral 
on  March  25  was  largely  attended  in  St.  Paul's  church, 
including  nearly  all  the  members  of  Olivet  church  and 
many  ministers.  Dr.  B.  Bausman,  the  pastor  of  his 
youth,  preached  the  sermon. — On  Sunday,  April  4,  a 
memorial  service  was  held  in  Olivet  church.  Addresses 
were  delivered  by  Drs.  B.  Bausman  and  H.  Mosser. 

On  May  23,  1897,  Licentiate  E.  Bruce  Lyttle  was 
called  to  the  pastorate  of  Olivet  church.  He  was  ordained 
and  installed  on  Sunday  afternoon,  June  13,  by  a  commit- 
tee of  Reading  Classis,  consisting  of  Drs.  H.  Mosser,  S. 
R.  Bridenbaugh  and  C.  S.  Gerhard.  Dr.  Bridenbaujjh 
preached  the  sermon. 

In  the  beginning  of  September,  1897,  a  memorial  bell 
was  hung  in  the  tower  of  Olivet  church,  and  it  was  dedi- 


OLIVET    CHURCH.  383 

cated  on  September  12  by  Rev.  E.  B.  Lyttle,  assisted  by 
several  other  ministers.  The  bell  weighs  1565  pounds, 
gives  good  satisfaction  and  bears  this  inscription  :  "  In 
memory  of  our  late  pastor,  Rev.  D.  W.  Albright,  who 
died  March  20,  1897."  The  bell  was  also  used  by  the 
city  for  fire  alarm  purposes. 

On  Sept.  28,  1898,  Rev.  E.  B.  Lyttle  resigned  as  pas- 
tor and  accepted  a  call  to  Memorial  Reformed  church, 
York,  Pa.,  where  he  continues  to  labor.  Mr.  Lyttle  is  a 
native  of  Mifflin  county,  and  a  graduate  of  Dickinson 
College.  He  served  a  number  of  years  as  secretary  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association  of  Reading  and  other 
places.  He  studied  theology  privately  under  the  direc- 
tion of  his  pastor,  Dr.  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh,  pastor  of  the 
Second  church,  and  Dr.  C.  S.  Gerhard,  pastor  of  St. 
Stephen's  church.  He  was  examined  and  licensed  by 
Reading  Classis  on  April  6,  1897. 

Mr.  Moses  A.  KieflFer,  a  student  in  Lancaster  Semi- 
nary, was  appointed  to  supply  Olivet  church  temporarily. 
Upon  the  completion  of  his  studies  in  the  month  of  May 
he  was  elected  pastor. 

Rev.  Moses  Augustus  Kieffer  was  born  near  Mercers- 
burg,  Pa.,  on  December  31,  1869,  as  the  son  of  Jonas  and 
Elemiua  Kieffer.  He  was  baptized  in  infancy  by  J\ev. 
Isaac  G.  Brown,  and  confirmed  by  Rev.  Z.  A  Y^'earick. 
In  the  fall  of  1890  he  entered  Mercersburg  Academy  to 
commence  his  preparation  for  the  ministry.  He  entered 
the  Sophomore  class  of  Franklin  and  Marshall  College  in 
the  fall  of  1893,  and  was  graduated  in  1896,  then  entered 
the  Theological  Seminary  and  graduated  in  1899.  He 
was  examined  and  licensed   by   Mercersburg   Classis  at 


384  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Chambersburg,  Pa.,  aud  was  received  into  Reading  Clas- 
sis  on  June  19,  1899.  On  the  following  Sunday,  June 
25,  1899,  ordination  and  installation  services  were  held  in 
Olivet  Reformed  church  by  a  committee  of  Readino-  Clas- 
sis,  composed  of  Revs.  H.  Mosser,  D.  D.,  J.  W.  Stein- 
metz,  D.  D.,  aud  H.  Y.  Stouer.  Rev.  Mr.  Kieffer's  pas- 
torate at  Olivet  was  of  short  duratiou.  At  Easter  and 
again  at  ^Yhitsuntide  in  1900  the  pastor  contracted  severe 
colds,  which  developed  into  acute  bronchial  asthma.  lu 
the  following  winter  he  resigned  and  preached  his  fare- 
well sermon  on  December  2,  1900. — On  June  29,  1900, 
Rev.  Mr,  Kieffer  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Hager- 
raan,  of  Williamson,  Franklin  county,  Pa.  Their  union 
has  been  blessed  with  three  children. — In  April  of  1901 
Rev.  Mr.  Kieffer  located  at  Timberville,  Va.,  Avhere  he  is 
now  laboring  with  success. 

On  Sunday  evening,  May  12,  1901,  Mr.  Henry  Har- 
baugh  Rupp,  a  student  in  Lancaster  Seminary,  was  elected 
l)astor  of  Olivet  church.  He  accepted  the  call,  and  was 
ordained  aud  installed  on  June  23,  1901,  by  a  committee 
of  Reading  Classis,  consisting  of  Revs.  Henry  Mosser, 
D.  D,,  J.  R,  Brown  and  H.  Y.  Stoner.  At  the  request  of 
the  committee  Mr.  Rupp's  father.  Dr.  William  Ru])p, 
preached  the  ordination  sermon.  Dr.  H.  Mosser  con- 
ducted the  ordination,  and  Rev.  J.  R.  Brown  conducted 
the  iustallation.  Mr.  Rupp  served  as  pastor  of  Olivet 
church  during  a  little  more  than  two  and  one-half  years. 
During  the  illness  of  Dr.  H.  Mosser  Rev.  Mr.  Rupp 
served  as  his  assistant  in  the  pastorate  of  the  First  church. 
On  January  28,  1904,  Rev.  Mr.  Rupp  resigned  and  ac- 
cepted a  call  from  Grace  church,  Eastou,  Pa.,  where  he  is 


^^^^.H.Rii^^ 


^"^^^jm^^^^ 


PASTORS    OF    ()LIVP:T    CHUIICH. 


OLIVET   CHURCH.  385 

now  located.  On  Sunday  evening,  Feb.  14,  he  preached 
his  farewell  sermon.  During  his  pastorate  at  Olivet 
church  of  two  years  and  eight  months  Mr.  Ru})p  baptized 
48  persons  and  confirmed  8,  married  10  couples,  officiated 
at  48  funerals,  preached  202  sermons,  made  24  addresses 
and  1530  pastoral  calls,  $4800  was  raised  for  all  pur- 
poses, the  debt  was  reduced  about  $1300,  and  the  church 
building  painted  and  repaired  at  a  cost  of  $200,  all  paid. 

Henry  H.  Rupp  was  born  in  Berlin,  Pa.,  November 
12,  1874,  as  the  son  of  Rev.  William  Rupp,  D.  D.,  and 
his  wife  Emma  Anetta,  nee  Hambright.  The  father  was 
until  his  death  on  April  3,  1904,  Professor  of  Practical 
Theology  in  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Lancaster,  Pa. 
His  early  education  was  received  in  the  public  schools  of 
Manchester,  Md.,  and  in  the  Myersdale  Preparatory 
School,  Myersdale,  Pa.  After  teaching  two  years  in  the 
public  schools  of  Somerset  county,  Henry  H.  Rupp  en- 
tered the  Freshman  class  in  Franklin  and  Marshall  Col- 
lege, Lancaster,  Pa.,  in  1893,  and  graduated  with  honor 
in  1897.  After  graduation  he  accepted  a  position  as  Pro- 
fessor of  Greek  and  Latin  in  the  Mercersburg  Academy, 
taught  one  year  and  then  entered  the  Theological  Semi- 
nary in  the  fall  of  1898.  While  taking  his  theological 
course  he  taught  Mathematics  and  Natural  Science  in 
Cotta  College,  Lancaster  city,  graduating  from  the  Semi- 
nary with  honor  on  May  1,  1901.  He  was  licensed  to 
preach  the  gospel  by  Lancaster  Classis  at  Xew  Holland  a 
few  weeks  later.  On  September  29,  1904,  Rev.  Mr. 
Rupp  was  married  to  Miss  Ella  Frances  Glaser,  daughter 
of  Mr.  William  Anderson,  of  Reading.  Rev.  W.  H, 
Myers  performed  the  ceremony  in  Grace  Lutheran  church. 


386  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

In  April  of  1904  Mr.  H.  Jerome  Leiubacb  was  elected 
pastor  of  Olivet  church.  He  is  a  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
James  B.  Leinbach,  a  well-known  organist  of  Friedens- 
burg,  Berks  county.  He  graduated  from  Franklin  and 
Marshall  College  at  Lancaster  in  lUOl,  and  from  theThe- 
logical  Seminary  at  th"  same  place  in  the  spring  of  1904. 
He  was  elected  a  short  time  before  graduating  from  the 
latter  institution.  Mr.  Leinbach  accepted  the  call  after 
his  graduation  in  May.  He  was  ordained  to  the  ministry 
and  installed  as  pastor  of  Olivet  church  on  Sunday  after- 
noon, May  29,  1904,  by  a  committee  of  Reading  Classis, 
consisting  of  Revs.  J.  P.  Stein,  D.  D.,  John  F.  Moyer 
and  AV.  E.  Harr.  Dr.  Stein  preached  the  sermon.  On 
May  4,  1905,  Rev.  Mr.  Leinbach  was  married  by  Rev. 
W.  E.  Harr  to  Miss  M.  Mary,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
George  Swavely,  of  Pine  Iron  Works,  Berks  county.  The 
happy  couple  at  once  took  up  their  residence  at  416  Wal- 
nut street,  Reading. 

During  all  these  years  Olivet  congregation  has  been 
under  the  fostering  care  of  the  First  church.  For  a  num- 
ber of  years  the  First  church  contributed  $300  annually 
toward  the  support  oi  the  pastor  of  Olivet  church. 

Olivet  church  has  a  somewhat  peculiar  history  in  ref- 
erence to  its  pastors.  During  its  existence  of  about  fif- 
teen years  it  has  had  six  pastors.  Five  of  these  com- 
menced their  ministerial  career  in  Olivet  church — Messrs. 
Stoner,  Lyttle,  Kieffer,  Rupp  and  Leinbach.  Rev.  D.  W. 
Albright  had  been  in  the  ministry  previously. 

Another  peculiarity  of  Olivet  church  is  tlie  fact  that  as 
a  rule  it  has  only  Sunday  evening  services — no  morning 
services. 


OLIVET    CHURCH.  387 

In  1905  Olivet  church  numbered  97  members,  and 
the  Sunday  school  148  members. 

The  officers  of  Olivet  church  in  1905  were:  Elders, 
Henry  S.  Young,  Animon  Kline;  deacons,  Joseph  Wil- 
liams, George  Schaetfer,  Lewis  Riegel,  jr.,  Clifford  Ro- 
mig;  secretary,  Ammon  Kline;  .  treasurer,  Henry  S. 
Young ;  janitress,  Mrs.  E.  E.  Sausser. 

There  are  two  societies  connected  with  Olivet  Re- 
formed church — a  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  organized  in  Sep- 
tember, 1890,  and  a  Missionary  Society  and  Social  Circle, 
organized  in  May,  1892.  Both  are  in  a  flourishing  con- 
dition, and  have  proven  a  great  help  in  the  general  work 
of  the  church. 


SECTION  IX. 

CALYAHY  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

(Ninth  Congregation  ) 

The  history  of  Calvary  church  is  unique  in  at  least  one 
respect  — the  church  was  erected  before  there  was  a  con- 
gregation or  a  Sunday  school.  In  the  case  of  most  of  the 
other  Reformed  congregations  in  this  city  there  were  at 
least  prosperous  Sunday  schools  in  existence  before 
churches  were  erected.  But  when  Calvary  church  was 
erected,  there  was  neither  congregation  nor  Sunday  school. 

In  the  summer  of  1888  Dr.  B.  Bausman  concluded  that 
a  new  Reformed  church  should  be  founded  and  located  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Centre  avenue  and  Oley  street.  It 
is  true,  there  were  at  that  time  very  few  houses  in  that 
immediate  neighborhood,  and  some  could  not  agree  with 
Dr.  Bausman  that  that  was  a  good  location  for  a  new 
church.  But  Dr.  Bausman  saw  that  the  city  was  being 
extended  in  that  direction,  and  he  felt  certain  that  in  a 
few  years  that  neighborhood  would  be  rapidly  built  up 
with  substantial  dwellings.  Time  has  shown  that  his 
judgment  was  correct.  Everybody  will  now  agree  that 
the  location  of  Calvary  church  is  most  excellent.  That 
region  is  now  built  up  almost  solidly  on  all  sides,  and  the 
population  is  of  the  best  in  the  city. 

In  the  summer  of  1888  Dr.  B.  Bausman  called  five  of 
his  co-workers  to  his  study  and  informed  them  of  his 
plan.    He  solicited  their  assistance,  which  was  given.    The 


CALVARY   CHURCH.  389 

southwest  corner  of  Ceutre  avenue  and  Oley  street 
was  selected  as  the  site  for  the  new  church,  but  in  order  to 
secure  this  h)cation  it  was  necessary  to  jiurchase  several 
pieces  of  ground  which  was  more  than  was  needed.  Mr. 
Jacob  B.  Fricker,  who  had  been  a  most  helpful  factor  in 
the  founding  of  a  number  of  the  newer  congregations,  pur- 
chased the  several  lots  in  question,  sold  a  portion  of  the 
ground  to  the  building  firm  of  Rehr  &  Fricker,  and  then 
sold  what  was  wanted  for  the  new  church  to  its  represen- 
tatives at  a  low  figure.  This  was  a  great  help  in  the 
start  of  the  movement. 

It  was  now  resolved  to  erect  a  church,  46  by  70  feet, 
of  bill  stone,  with  sandstone  trimmings,  slate  roof,  hard 
wood  finish  and  exposed  rafters.  The  corner-stone  Avas 
laid  on  Sunday  afternoon,  August  12,  1888.  The  stone 
was  laid  by  Dr.  B.  Bausman.  Up  to  this  time  no  one 
knew  what  the  name  of  the  new  church  would  be  except 
one  person — Dr.  Bailsman.  Naturally  all  were  anxious 
to  know  the  name  of  the  new  church.  Their  curiosity 
was  gratified  when  he  announced  the  name  as  Calvary. 
That  was  a  new  name  for  a  church  in  Reading.  Some 
few  persons  at  first  had  some  little  difficulty  in  not  saying 
Cavalry,  but  they  soon  got  over  that.  There  were  placed 
in  the  stone  local  and  church  papers  and  six  coins,  to- 
gether with  some  other  articles.  There  was  a  large  attend- 
ance on  a  very  warm  afternoon,  including  several  Re- 
formed ministers. 

The  building  committee  consisted  of  James  Rick,  Geo. 
A.  Leinbach,  William  H.  Dechant  and  Jacob  B.  Fricker. 
But  there  was  no  congregation  back  of  the  committee. 
Where  was  the  money  to  come  from  for  the  erection  of  the 


390 


HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 


church  ?  Dr.  Bailsman  and  the  committee  acted  in  faith. 
But  lirst  of  all  they  put  their  hands  into  their  pockets, 
and  these  five  persons  in  a  few  minute?  raised  over  .^000 


CALVAHY    fiEFOHMED  CHURCH. 


among  their  ov/n  number.     In   addition  to    a  large    sub- 
scription Dr.  Bausman    made   himself  personally  respon- 


CALVARY    CHURCH.  391 

sible  for  all  bills  for  which  uo  provision  had  been  aiade. 
He  held  the  property  iu  his  uame  until  after  Dr.  Good 
had  been  called  as  pastor,  when  the  congregation  assumed 
the  debt,  and  Dr.  Bausman  conveyed  the  property  to 
them.  The  building  committee  also  made  themselves 
responsible  for  the  pastor's  salary  until  the  organization 
of  the  congregation. 

The  work  on  the  church  proceeded  rather  slowly,  as  is 
always  the  case  in  erecting  stone  buildings.  The  work 
was  completed  in  a  year,  and  the  church  was  dedicated  on 
Sunday,  August  18,  1889,  at  2  p.  m.  The  dedication  ser- 
vice was  naturally  conducted  by  Dr.  B.  Bausman.  The 
sermon  was  preached  by  his  cousin,  Rev.  J.  A.  Peters,  D. 
D.,  since  deceased.  Other  ministers  present  were  Revs. 
J.  W.  Steinmetz,  C.  S.  Gerhard,  R.  W.  Miller,  L.  K. 
Derr,  James  I.  Good,  J.  F.  DeLong,  W.  H.  Groh  and  A. 
S.  Weber.  In  the  evening  of  the  same  day  Rev.  J.  F. 
DeLong  preached  the  sermon.  The  church  was  erected 
after  the  above  plan,  and  presented  a  beautiful  appear- 
ance. The  windows  are  of  fine  stained  glass.  On  the 
east  end  is  a  gallery,  under  which  were  the  primary  and 
library  rooms.  The  audience  room  was  intended  to  be 
used  both  by  the  congregation  and  the  senior  Sunday 
school.  There  is  a  corner  tower  sixty  feet  high.  The 
seating  capacity  of  the  church  is  about  500.  The  western 
wall  is  of  brick,  which  may  easily  be  removed  and  the 
church  lengthened,  if  necessary.  The  cost  of  the  church 
was  about  $13,000. 

On  Sunday,  August  25,  Qne  week  after  the  dedication, 
a  Sunday  school  was  organized  in  the  new  church  with 
167  persons.     Mr.  Calvin  M.  Dechant,  one  of  the  active 


392  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

yoiiug  men  of  St.  Paul's  church,  was  elected  superinten- 
dent, and  his  wife  was  made  superintendent  of  the  pri- 
mary department.  Both  labored  in  the  school  and  church 
until  their  removal  from  the  city  in  the  early  part  of  1904. 

On  January  1,  1890,  Mr.  Stanley  L.  Krebs  was  called 
as  the  prospective  pastor  of  the  congregation  to  be  organ- 
ized at  a  later  period.  He  was  then  a  member  of  the 
Senior  class  in  Lancaster  Seminary.  He  was  expected  to 
supply  the  pulpit  until  the  following  May,  when  he  grad- 
uated. But  before  he  could  enter  upon  the  work  he  was 
taken  ill  with  typhoid  fever,  and  was  disabled  a  long 
time.  He,  however,  expected  to  take  charge  of  the  work 
on  the  first  day  of  June.  On  the  first  day  of  July  he 
declined  the  call  by  the  advice  of  his  physician.  (Mr. 
Krebs  was  later  called  to  St.  Andrew's  church,  Reading.) 
The  organization  of  the  congregation  was  thus  long  de- 
layed. Meanwhile  there  were  regular  services  held  by 
various  ministers  and  theolojrical  students. 

In  the  latter  part  of  August,  1890,  Dr.  J.  I.  Good,  a 
native  of  Reading,  then  pastor  of  Heidelberg  church, 
Philadclpliia,  was  called  to  the  work,  and  he  accepted. 

On  September  30  of  the  same  year  (1890)  Calvary 
Reformed  church  was  organized  with  46  members  as  the 
ninth  Reformed  congregation  in  Reading.  These  officers 
were  elected  :  Elders,  George  H.  Meugcl,  Isaac  Ritter  ; 
deacons,  Calvin  M,  Dechant,  Edwin  Sa.ssaman,  Chas.  K. 
Griesemer;  trustees,  James  Rick,  Henry  Wagner,  James 
A.  Fasig.  They  were  ordained  and  installed  on  Sunday. 
October  12,  at  the  first  communion  of  the  congregation. 

Dr.  Goofl  was  unanimously  elected  pastor  by  the 
new  congregation    on    October    28,    1890,    and   preached 


CALVARY    CHURCH.  393 

his  first  sermon  on  the  first  Sunday  of  November.  He 
was  formally  installed  as  pastor  on  Sunday,  November  23, 
1890,  by  a  committee  of  Schuylkill  Classis,  consisting  of 
Drs.  C.  F.  McCauley,  B.  Bausman  and  A.  S.  Leinbach. 
Drs.  Bausman  and  Leinbach  delivered  short  addresses, 
and  the  installation  was  conducted  by  Drs.  Bausman  and 
McCauley. 

On  Good  Friday  evening,  March  27,  1891,  a  beautiful 
oil  painting  on  the  wall  in  the  rear  of  the  pulpit  was  un- 
veiled. It  is  the  work  of  Mr.  George  Selling,  and  repre- 
sents Christ  on  the  way  to  Calvary.  The  figures  of  Christ 
and  others  are  life-size.  The  painting  was  a  gift  to  the 
congregation  from  the  building  committee — Messrs.  James 
Rick,  George  A.  Leinbach,  William  H.  Dechant  and  J. 
B.  Fricker.     The  gift  was  highly  appreciated. 

The  Sunday  school  grew  rapidly,  and  soon  it  was 
crowded  for  room.  Therefore  in  the  fall  of  1893  the 
basement,  which  had  been  left  unfinished,  was  completed 
and  arranged  for  Sunday  school  purposes  at  a  cost  of 
$2500.  The  spacious  room  was  first  occupied  on  Sunday, 
December  10,  1893. 

The  nearest  houses  to  Calvary  church,  and  among  the 
first  erected  in  the  neighborhood,  were  a  block  of  four 
handsome  residences  erected  and  occupied  by  the  families 
of  four  well-known  brothers — Cyrus,  James,  John  and 
Charles  Rick.  They  were  the  sons  of  Mr.  Charles  Rick, 
a  well-known  member  of  the  First  church.  The  families 
of  three  of  them — James,  Cyrus  and  Charles — became 
pillars  of  Calvary  church  from  its  start,  and  the  former 
served  as  a  member  of  the  building  committee.  Cyrus 
Rick  resided  next  door  to  the  church,  and  was  one  of  the 
2(3 


394  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

early  members  of  the  congregation.  The  community  was 
shocked  by  his  sudden  death  on  May  8,  1895,  when  ap- 
parently in  the  best  of  health,  in  the  Farmers'  Bank, 
whose  faithful  cashier  he  had  been  during  fifteen  years. 
On  May  30,  of  the  same  year,  Mr.  George  H.  INIengel, 
one  of  the  first  elders  and  leader  of  the  choir,  died  at  the 
age  of  58  years.  On  September  17  following  ex-Judge 
Augustus  S.  Sassaman,  another  charter  member,  died  sud- 
denly. He  had  long  been  a  teacher  in  the  First  Re- 
formed Sunday  school,  and  served  the  county  as  Law 
Judge  from  1876  to  1886.  The  congregation  thus  lost 
three  of  its  most  useful  and  prominent  members  within  a 
short  time. 

On  June  14,  1896,  the  decorations  of  the  church  for 
the  celebration  of  Cliildren's  Day  wore  of  a  unique,  yet 
pretty  character.  Tliey  included  a  dis})lay  of  125,000 
daisies,  which  had  been  gathered  by  the  members  of  the 
school. 

On  Sunday,  April  20,  1901,  Calvary  congregation 
undertook  to  raise  the  money  needed  for  the  payment  of 
the  church  debt  of  $7200.  The  sum  of  $5900  was  sub- 
scribed, and  the  balance  was  secured  later. 

In  February  of  1903  the  consistory  called  Mr.  Henry 
B.  Reagle  as  assistant  pastor.  Mr.  Reagle  was  born  at 
Stone  Church,  Pa.,  August  25,  1878,  as  the  sou  of  AVm. 
H.  and  Rebecca  Reagle.  Ilis  ])reliminary  education  was 
secured  in  Portland  High  School  and  Ursinus  Academy. 
In  1900  he  graduated  from  Ursinus  College,  and  in  May 
of  1903  from  Ursinus  School  of  Theology.  He  was  soon 
after  examined  and  licensed  by  East  Pennsylvania  Clas- 
sis.     Mr.  Reagle  was  ordained   on   June  7,  1903,  by   a 


CALVARY    CHURCH. 


395 


committee  of  Reading  Classis.  Dr.  J.  W.  Steiumetz  and 
Rev.  H.  H.  Rauck  delivered  addresses,  and  Dr.  James  I. 
Good  conducted  the  ordination  and  installation.  His 
ministrations  have  been  very  acceptable  to  the  people,  but 
unfortunately  he  was  called  to  pass  through  a  long  spell 
of  illness  during  the  year  1904.  He  spent  the  summer 
and  fall  of  1904  in  the  Adirondack  mountains.  He  re- 
turned at  the  close  of  the 
year.  Mr.  Reagle  re- 
sumed his  work  as  assis- 
tant pastor,  and  contin- 
ued in  it  until  the  end  of 
May,  1905.  On  May  21 
of  this  year  he  was  un- 
animously elected  pastor 
oftlie  Reformed  church 
at  Milton,  Pa.  He  re- 
signed as  assistant  pastor 
of  Calvary  church  on 
May  28,  and  accepted 
the  call  to  Milton.  He 
preached  his  farewell  ser- 
mon in  Reading  on  Sun- 
day, June    11.       His    de-  Rev.  H.  B.  Reagie. 

parture  was  very  much  regretted. 

On  Se])tember  10,  19()3,  the  Sunday  school  lost  its 
efficient  and  faithful  superintendent,  Mr.  Ralph  Simpson, 
by  death  at  the  age  of  50  years.  His  dej)arture  was 
deeply  mourned.  The  school  elected  Rev.  H.  B.  Reagle, 
the  assistant  pastor,  as  his  successor.  On  Sunday  after- 
noon, November  20,  1904,  a  tablet  in  memory  of  Mr. 
Simjjson    was  dedicated  in    Calvary   church.     Addresses 


396  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED'   CHURCH. 

were  delivered  by  Dr.  James  I.  Good,  J.  S.  Wise  and  W. 
E.  Reed. 

Ou  September  14,  1904,  the  fifteenth  auuiversary  of 
the  Sunday  school  was  celebrated.  Of  the  103  original 
scholars  only  seven  were  present.  This  indicates  the  con- 
stant changes  which  occur  in  Sunday  schools. 

On  Sunday,  June  18,  li)05,  the  thirtieth  anniversary 
of  the  ordination  of  Dr.  James  I.  Good  was  celebrated  in 
Calvary  church.  This  was  an  occasion  of  much  interest, 
and  the  services  were  largely  attended.  The  church  was 
profusely  decorated  with  rambler  roses.  In  the  morniug 
Dr.  Good  delivered  an  address  in  which  he  reviewed  his 
ministerial  experience.  During  the  thirty  years  of  his 
ministry  he  added  to  the  three  churches  which  he  served 
1476  persons,  of  whom  735  came  by  confirmation  or  pro- 
fession. In  Calvary  church  there  have  been  added  in  15 
years  325  by  confirmation  and  3G4  by  letter,  a  total  of 
689.  Dr.  Good  was  followed  in  an  address  by  Rev.  C. 
H.  Gramni,  assistant  pastor  of  Zion's  church.  In  the 
evening  Dr.  B.  Bausman,  the  founder  of  Calvary  church, 
preached  on  Ps.  139  :  5. 

Societies. — There  are  a  number  of  active  societies  in 
Calvary  church.  On  August  30,  1890,  a  Brotherhood  of 
Andrew  and  Philip  was  organized. — A  Mite  and  Mis- 
sionary Society  was  organized  on  October  21,  1891. — The 
Dorcas  Society  was  organized  on  February  11,  1892. — The 
Christian  Endeavor  Society  was  organized  in  February  of 
1893,  and  a  Junior  C.  E.  Society  was  organized  in  Feb- 
ruary of  1894.  There  is  also  an  Intermediate  C.  E.  So- 
ciety, which  was  organized  on  February  28,  1902. 

In  1905  Calvary  church  numbered  440  members,  and 
the  Sunday  school  665  members. 


CALVARY    CHURCH.  397 

Since  the  resignatiou  of  Rev.  H.  B.  Reagle  INIr.  AVm. 
E,  Reed,  the  assistant  superintendent  of  the  Sunday 
school,  has  been  serving  as  superintendent. 

Officers  in  1905. — Elders,  Henry  M.  Otto,  Joseph  S. 
Wise,  William  E.  Reed,  Francis  S.  Allgeier,  Samuel  Y. 
Riegner,  William  Fegley ;  deacons,  James  Rick,  Charles 
Rick,  Maurice  M.  Lenhart,  Seth  L.  Batzel,  William  H. 
Livingood,  Frederick  H.  Richardson ;  secretary,  Samuel 
Y.  Riegner ;  treasurer,  Joseph  S.  Wise ;  organist,  Miss 
Helen  G.  Cleaver ;  sexton,  Warren  L.  Hamilton. 

Rev.  James  I.  Good,  D.  D. 

James  Isaac  Good  is  a  son  of  the  late  Rev.  William 
A.  Good  and  his  wife  Susan  B.,  nee  Eckert,  and  was  born 
on  December  31,  1850,  in  York,  Pa.  Jacob  Good,  his 
great-grandfather,  a  native  of  Zweibriicken,  Germany, 
came  to  America  in  1765,  and  was  teacher  in  the  Re- 
formed parochial  schools  at  Schaeiferstowu,  Lebanon 
county,  and  Bern  church,  Berks  county.  He  lies  buried 
at  the  latter  place.  James  I.  Good  received  a  liberal  edu- 
cation. After  attending  the  public  schools  of  Reading, 
he  entered  Lafaj'ette  College,  from  which  he  graduated  in 
1872.  He  then  pursued  his  theological  studies  in  Union 
Seminary,  New  York,  and  graduated  from  it  in  the  spring 
of  1875.  Soon  after  he  was  examined  and  licensed  by 
Lebanon  Classis  and  dismissed  to  Zion's  Classis.  The 
committee  of  examination  consisted  of  Drs.  F.  W.  Kremer, 
T.  S.  Johnston  and  J.  E.  Hiester,  all  of  whom  have  since 
entered  into  rest.  Having  received  a  call  from  the  young 
Heidelberg  church  at  York,  he  was  ordained  by  a  com- 
mittee of  Zion's  Classis  on  the  evening  of  June  16,   1875, 


398 


HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 


in  York,  Pa.  The  committee  consisted  of  Drs.  I.  S. 
Weisz,  J.  O.  Miller  and  W.  K.  Zieber.  The  latter  is  his 
uncle.  The  former  two  have  died.  Dr.  Good  continued 
in  this  pastorate  two  years  until  the  summer  of  1877, 
when  he  accepted  a  call  from  Heidelberg  church  in  Phil- 
adelphia. He  begau  his  labors  in  Philadelphia  in  Sep- 
tember of  that  year,  and  continued  in  this  pastorate  thir- 
teen years,  until  September,  1890,  during  which  time  the 

membership  of  the  con- 
gregation was  greatly  in- 
creased and  their  splen- 
did new  church  at  Nine- 
teenth and  Oxford  streets 
erected.  At  the  above 
date  Dr.  Good  resigned 
and  accepted  a  call  from 
the  new  Calvary  congre- 
gation in  Reading,  and 
was  installed  on  Nov. 
2;^,  1890.  He  continues 
as  pastor  at  the  preseut 
time.  During  his  pas- 
torate the  congregation 
nourished,  and  now  num- 
bers over  400  members, 
honored  with  the  degree 
In    1890   he   was  elected 


Rev.  James  I.    (Jooti,    U.    U. 


In  1887  Rev.  Mr.  Good  was 
of  D.  I),  by  Ursinus  College. 
Dean  and  Professor  of  Systematic  and  Practical  Theology 
and  Reformed  Church  History  in  Ursinus  School  of  The- 
ology, which  is  now  located  in  Philadelphia,  which  posi- 
tion he  has  since  filled  in  connection  with  his  pastorate  at 
Calvary  church. 


CALVARY    CHURCH.  399 

Dr.  Good  has  filled  various  positions  iu  tbe  Reformed 
Church.  He  has  frequently  served  as  a  delegate  to  the 
Eastern  and  the  General  Synods,  and  has  since  1893 
served  as  president  of  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  of 
the  Reformed  Church.  He  has  a  number  of  times  served 
as  a  delegate  from  the  Reformed  Church  to  the  meetings 
of  the  Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches,  and  has  for  a 
number  of  years  been  a  member  of  the  western  (American) 
section  of  the  executive  committee  of  the  Alliance. 

Dr.  Good  is  a  great  traveler.  Ho  has  traveled  more 
in  Europe  and  Asia  than  any  other  man  in  the  Reformed 
Church.  He  is  the  author  of  the  following  books : 
"  Rambles  Round  Reformed  Lands,"  "  Origin  of  the  Re- 
formed Church  in  Europe,"  'History  of  the  Reformed 
Church  in  Europe,"  "History  of  the  Reformed  Church  in 
the  United  States,"  "  Famous  Missionaries  of  the  Re- 
formed Church,"  "Historical  Hand-Bookof  the  Reformed 
Church,"  "  Early  Fathers  of  the  Reformed  Church,"  and 
"Aid  to  the  Heidelberg  Catechism."  He  is  a  frequent 
contributor  to  the  periodicals  of  the  Reformed  Church. 
In  recognition  of  his  services  as  a  Reformed  Church  his- 
torian he  has  been  made  an  honorary  member  of  the  Hu- 
guenot Society  of  Germany. 


SECTION  X. 

ST.  ANDREW'S  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

(Tenth    Congregation  ) 

Like  all  the  other  younger  Reformed  cougrogatious  iu 
Reading,  St.  Andrew's  church  is  the  fruit  of  the  mission- 
ary spirit.  Some  one  has  said  that  the  best  way  to  do 
something  is  to  do  it.  In  the  fall  of  1885  Dr.  B.  Baus- 
mau  and  several  members  of  St.  Paul's  church  concluded 
to  establish  a  mission  Sunday  school  in  the  southeastern 
part  of  the  city.  Permission  was  secured  from  the  School 
Board  for  the  use  of  the  public  school  house  at  Thirteenth 
and  Cotton  streets.  Dr.  Bausman  and  one  of  his  mem- 
bers purchased  an  organ,  a  small  library,  singing  books 
and  other  needed  supplies,  amounting  to  §80,  which  they 
paid,  and  on  Sunday,  November  22,  1885,  a  school  was 
organized  in  the  above  place  with  12  officers  and  75  schol- 
ars under  the  name  of  St.  Andrew's  Reformed  Sunday 
school.  Mr.  Henry  B.  Stout  was  made  superintendent, 
whilst  Miss  Sarah  D.  Missimer  took  charge  of  the  pri- 
mary department.  INIr.  William  H.  McKinney  served  as 
secretary  and  librarian.  The  school  was  started  under 
the  auspices  of  St.  Paul's  Sunday  school,  and  was  placed 
under  the  care  of  a  committee  api)()inted  by  that  body, 
consisting  of  Daniel  Miller  and  \\'illiam  H.  Dechant. 
These  gentlemen  frequently  visited  the  school,  and  aided 
it  in  various  ways.     The   school  was   under  the   care  of 


ST.  Andrew's  church.  401 

this  committee  during  five  years,  when  it  was  handed  over 
to  St.  Andrew's  church.  Many  of  the  first  children  gath- 
ered into  the  school  were  ill-behaved,  and  caused  much 
trouble.  But  those  in  charge  labored  with  patience  and 
zeal,  and  gradually  overcame  all  difiiculties.  Mr.  Stout 
resigned  after  having  served  about  a  year,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Mr.  John  H.  Stauffer,  whose  term  of  service 
was  also  short  on  account  of  his  removal  from  the  city. 
The  committee  in  charge  then  persuaded  Mr.  Charles  H. 
Leinbach,  then  a  teacher  in  St  Paul's  school,  to  assume 
the  superinteudeucy.  He  accepted,  and  entered  upon  the 
work  on  April  15,  1888,  and  has  continued  in  office  to 
this  day.  To  his  energy,  ability  and  devotion  is  due 
much  of  the  success  of  St.  Andrew's  school  and  congrega- 
tion. Miss  Missimer  also  rendered  most  valuable  ser- 
vices, and  continued  at  the  head  of  the  primary  depart- 
ment until  her  sudden  death  on  January  5,  1890.  Her 
early  death  was  greatly  lamented. 

The  school  prospered,  but,  as  in  all  such  cases,  the 
public  school  house  was  not  well  adapted  for  this  purpose, 
and  the  friends  of  the  enterprise  looked  around  for  a  suit- 
able location  for  a  church,  it  having  been  intended  to 
organize  a  congregation  as  soon  as  the  time  was  ripe.  In 
June  of  1889  a  lot  located  at  the  corner  of  Spruce  and 
Miller  streets  was  purchased  for  this  purpose,  and  paid 
for  by  the  brothers  Joseph  A.  and  George  A.  Leinbach. 
The  price  paid  Avas  .^2125.  The  size  of  the  lot  \vas  G5  by 
110  feet.  After  the  church  had  been  erected  and  St.  An- 
drew's congregation  organized,  the  generous  donors  on 
July  28,  1891,  deeded  the  lot  to  the  congregation.     As  in 


402  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

the  case  of  Calvary  church,  the  location  selected  for  St. 
Andrew's  church  was  by  some  regarded  as  not  wise. 
There  were  then  no  houses  in  the  immediate  neighbor- 
hood. But  the  wisdom  of  the  location  was  soon  after 
demonstrated.  The  fine  St.  Andrew's  church  having 
been  erected,  it  was  not  long  until  nearly  the  whole 
neighborhood  was  occupied  with  substantial  dwellings. 
As  in  the  vicinity  of  Calvary  church,  the  enterpris- 
ing firm  of  Kehr  &  Fricker  led  off  in  improving  the 
neighborhood.  These  two  instances  clearly  show  that  the 
erection  of  churches  is  a  public  improvement,  and  en- 
hances the  value  of  real  estate  in  their  vicinity. 

Almost  immediately  after  the  completion  of  Calvary 
church  steps  were  taken  to  erect  St.  Andrew's  church. 
Some  thought  the  work  of  building  churches  was  being 
hurried  too  much,  but  the  missionary  spirit  was  active, 
and  it  was  thought  best  to  strike  while  the  iron  Avas  hot. 
The  work  was  commenced  in  October  of  1889.  Dr.  B. 
Bausman  once  more  was  the  leader  of  the  movement,  and 
he  was  supporter!  by  the  same  friends  who  had  stood  by 
him  in  the  same  line  of  work  before.  A  building  commit- 
tee was  appointed  by  Dr.  B.  Bausman  on  July  31,  1889, 
consisting  of  William  H.  Dechant,  William  11.  Hinner- 
shitz,  Joseph  A.  Leinbach  and  Jacob  B.  Fricker.  The 
corner-stone  was  laid  on  Sunday,  Nov.  24,  1889,  in  tiie 
presence  of  a  large  congregation.  The  services  were  in 
in  charge  of  Dr.  B.  Bausman.  Prof  John  S.  Stahr  de- 
livered an  address.  There  were  also  present  Drs.  C  F. 
McCauley,  A.  S.  Leinbacii,  J.  AV.  Steinmetz,  L.  K.  Derr, 
C.  S.  Gerhard  and  R.  W.  Miller.     There  were  deposited  in 


ST.  Andrew's  church.  403 

the  stoue  a  Bible,  the  Reformed  church  aud  local  papers, 
four  coins,  a  sketch  of  the  church  and  the  names  of  the 
building  committee.  The  plans  provided  for  a  one-story 
church,  56  by  73  feet,  with  a  basement  on  the  south  side 
for  a  Sunday  school  room. 

As  usual  the  work  of  erecting  a  stone  church  was 
slow.  A  little  more  than  a  year  after  the  laying  of  the 
corner-stone  the  basement  was  completed,  aud  it  was 
opened  on  Sunday,  Nov.  30,  1890.  At  the  same  time  the 
fifth  anniversary  of  the  organization  of  the  Sunday  school 
was  celebrated.  The  school  now  numbered  240  members. 
Dr.  B.  Bausraau  delivered  an  address,  at  the  close  of 
which  he  introduced  Licentiate  Stanley  L.  Krebs,  who 
had  been  selected  by  the  building  committee  as  the  pastor 
of  the  prospective  congregation.  The  latter  spoke  at 
some  length.  The  school  now  had  pleasant  quarters,  and 
its  membership  increased  rapidly. 

The  work  on  the  main  part  of  the  church  was  pushed 
rapidly,  and  was  completed  in  a  few  months.  The  dedi- 
cation of  the  completed  church  took  place  on  Sunday, 
January  25,  1891,  at  three  o'clock  p.  m.  Dr.  B.  Baus- 
man  conducted  the  dedication.  Rev.  J.  C.  Bowman,  D. 
D.,  preached  the  sermon.  The  offerings  in  the  afternoon 
and  evening  amounted  to  $2531.  The  church  was  erected 
in  Gothic  style,  of  mountain  stone,  with  sandstone  trim- 
mings and  base.  There  were  three  gables  and  a  corner 
tower.  The  seating  capacity  was  about  600.  There  was 
a  large  basement  on  the  southern  side  for  the  Sunday 
school.  There  were  ten  memorial  windows.  The  church 
was  truly  beautiful  and  inviting.  The  cost  of  the  church 
and  lot  was  §17,392.85.     There  was  a  debt  of  .§7500. 


404  HISTOEY   OF   EEFORMED   CHURCH. 

On  the  evening  of  dedication  day  (January  25,  1891,) 
Mr.  S.  L.  Krebs  was  ordained  to  the  ministry  by  a  com- 
mittee of  Schuylkill  Classis,  consisting  of  Drs.  B.  Baus- 
man,  C.  F.  McCauley  and  A.  R.  Bartholomew.  The  lat- 
ter preached  the  sermon.  Dr.  Bausman  conducted  the 
ordination  of  Mr,  Krebs.  Here  was  a  case  of  a  church 
and  a  pastor  without  a  congregation.  Where  was  his  sup- 
port to  come  from?  The  building  committee  made  them- 
selves personally  responsible  for  his  salary.  The  congre- 
gation never  received  any  aid  from  the  Board  of  Mis- 
sions. Fortunately  the  congregation,  when  once  organ- 
ized, grew  rapidly  and  soon  became  self-supporting. 

There  was  now  a  fine  church,  a  large  and  vigorous 
Sunday  school  and  a  })astor,  but  as  yet  no  congregation. 
However  this  unusual  condition  Avas  of  short  duration. 
St.  Andrew's  Reformed  congregation  was  organized  by 
Rev.  S.  L.  Krebs  on  March  19,  1891,  with  111  members 
as  the  tenth  Reformed  churcK  in  Reading.  The  first  offi- 
cers were  :  Elders,  Amos  Clouser,  H.  R.  Laucks,  Chas.  H. 
Leinbach,  Wm.  H.  McKinney  ;  deacons,  Geo.  M.  Brittou, 
Edward  Kramer,  Jas.  C.  Reber,  R.  R.  Snyder.  The  con- 
gregation was  now  fully  organized,  and  entered  upon  its 
career  of  usefulness.  Pastor  Krebs  addressed  himself 
vigorously  to  his  task,  and  performed  much  missionary 
Avork,  and  the  membership  increased  ra])idly,  both  in  the 
congregation  and  in  the  Suuday  school. 

On  May  10,  1891,  Rev.  Mr.  Krebs  confirmed  his  first 
class  of  catechumens.  This  was  an  occasion  of  much  in- 
terest, and  the  church  was  crowded.  The  class  consisted 
of  35  members.  Fifty-four  other  persons  were  received 
by  certificate  and  reprofession,  making  the  membership 
exactly  200. 


ST.  Andrew's  church.  405 

On  October  22,  1891,  the  Young  Men's  Association 
Avas  organized.  Elder  Henry  R.  Laucks  was  the  first 
president. 

On  November  3,  1891,  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society  was 
organized  with  Mrs.  James  C.  Reber  as  president.  This 
society,  as  did  others  which  were  organized  later,  per- 
formed a  vast  deal  of  church  work. 

In  May,  1892,  the  gallery  of  the  church  was  raised 
and  enlarged,  and  its  seating  capacity  increased  by  about 
one  hundred.  More  room  was  already  needed  by  the 
infant  congregation. 

On  September  23,  1892,  Rev.  Mr.  Krebs  was  formally 
installed  as  pastor  by  a  committee  of  Schuylkill  Classis,  con- 
sisting of  Drs.  B.  Bausman,  C.  S.  Gerhard,  J.  W.  Stein- 
metz  and  elder  Henry  M.  Otto.  Dr.  Gerhard  delivered 
the  charge  to  the  pastor  and  Dr.  Stein metz  that  to  the 
congregation,  whilst  Dr.  Bausman  spoke  on  the  history  of 
the  congregation. 

In  May,  1893,  the  congregation  purchased  a  lot  of 
ground  on  the  east  side  of  the  church,  20  by  110  feet, 
from  the  Endlich  family  for  $1000.  This  was  a  wise 
step,  as  the  ground  was  needed  when  the  church  was 
enlarged  in  1904. 

During  the  winter  of  1893-4  Rev.  S.  L.  Krebs  made 
a  trip  to  the  East.  He  left  Reading  on  December  12, 
1893,  and  returned  on  March  5,  1894. 

On  October  27,  1895,  an  important  meeting  was  held 
by  the  congregation,  which  was  called  by  the  pastor  for 
an  unnamed  purpose.  At  the  meeting  he  relieved  the 
curiosity  of  those  present  by  stating  that  the  object  was  to 
secure  subscriptions  to  pay  the  church  debt.     The  amount 


406  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

of  $7530  was  at  once  subscribed,  and  only  |400  more 
was  needed  to  cover  the  whole  debt.  Time  was  given  for 
the  payment  of  the  subscriptions.  On  April  25,  1897, 
the  whole  debt  had  been  paid,  and  on  this  day  the  mort- 
gage was  burned.  This  was  a  happy  day  for  the  people 
of  St.  Andrew's. 

On  October  27,  1896,  the  Master's  Hand  Maidens 
were  organized,  with  the  pastor  as  the  first  president. 

In  the  month  of  June,  1898,  the  congregation  pur- 
chased a  piece  of  ground  in  the  rear  of  the  church,  27  by 
90  feet,  from  Messrs.  Eehr  &  Fricker.  This  purchase 
was  made,  like  that  of  the  lot  on  the  east  side  of  the 
church  in  1893,  with  a  view  to  the  enlargement  of  the 
building. 

In  August  of  1898  Rev.  Mr.  Krebs  submitted  his 
resignation  as  pastor,  but  the  congregation  declined  to 
accept  it,  and  he  continued  two  and  one-half  years  longer 
in  his  work. 

On  August  10,  1899,  the  church  was  struck  by  light- 
ning and  set  on  fire,  but  the  fire  was  soon  extinguished, 
and  the  damage  was  small. 

In  January  of  1901  Rev.  Mr.  Krebs  resigned  and 
accepted  a  call  from  the  First  Reformed  church  at  Greens- 
burg,  Pa.  His  resignation  was  accepted,  and  he  preached 
his  farewell  sermon  on  January  27.  His  resignation 
went  into  effect  on  February  1.  Thus  closed  the  first 
pastorate  of  St.  Andrew's  church.  Mr.  Krebs  had  done 
much  to  build  up  the  congregation.  He  had  also  taken 
an  active  j)art  in  tlie  movement  for  the  enlargement  of  the 
church,  which  was  started  some  time  before  he  resigned, 
and  had  aided  in  securing  some  subscriptions  for  this  pur- 


ST.    ANDREAV  S    CHURCH. 


407 


pose.  During  the  latter  part  of  his  pastorate  in  Reading 
Rev.  Mr.  Krebs  devoted  much  time  to  the  study  of  psy- 
chological subjects,  and  delivered  many  lectures  on  the 
same. 

Mr.  Krebs'  pastorate  in  Reading  had  continued  just 
ten  years.  During  this  time  he  received  947  members 
into  the  congregation,  of  whom  he  confirmed  352 ;  bap- 
tized 238,  attended  S5 
funerals,  married  78 
couples,  and  delivered 
2125  sermons,  addresses 
and  lectures.  AVheu  he 
resigned  the  member- 
ship of  the  church  was 
580. 

Rev.  S.  L.  Krebs  M-as 
born  at  Waynesboro, 
Pa ,  as  the  sou  of  Rev. 
W.  E.  Krebs,  D.  D., 
and  his  wife  Isabella 
LeFevre.  He  pursued 
his  studies  in  Muhlen- 
berg College ;  Frank- 
lin and  Marshall  Col- 
lege, graduating  in 
1886  ;  Lancaster  Seminary,  graduating  in  1890.  He  was 
examined  and  licensed  by  Gettysburg  Classis  in  the  spring 
of  1890.  At  a  later  period  Mr.  Krebs  also  studied  in 
Chicago  School  of  Psychology.  In  1890  he  was  married 
to  Miss  Anna  Frick  Frantz,  of  Lancaster.  Four  chil- 
dren were  born  to  them,  three  of  whom  are  living. 


Rev.  Stanley  L.  Krebs. 


408  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

In  the  mouth  of  June,  1901,  Rev.  Henry  H.  Ranck, 
then  pastor  of  St.  John's  church  at  Lebanon,  was  elected 
pastor  of  St.  Andrew's  church.  He  accepted  the  call,  and 
was  installed  on  July  7,  11»01,  by  Revs.  Dr.  B.  Bausman, 
C.  E.  Creitz  and  C.  E.  Schaeffer. 

The  work  of  enlarging  the  church  was  now  taken  in 
hand  actively.  On  Dec.  1,  1901,  Mr.  A.  F.  Smith  was 
employed  to  prepare  plans  for  an  addition  of  25  by  75 
feet  to  the  church  on  the  east  side,  and  another  addition 
of  50  by  76  feet  on  the  south  side.  All  the  members  and 
the  several  societies  of  the  congregation  responded  liber- 
ally to  the  solicitations  for  funds. 

On  October  25,  1902,  a  Mission  Band  was  organized, 
with  Mrs.  Henry  H.  Ranck  as  the  first  president. 

On  March  25,  1903,  the  contract  for  the  enlargement 
of  the  church  was  awarded  to  H.  J.  Raudenbush  for  the 
sum  of  $20,660.  A  building  committee  was  appointed, 
consisting  of  Rev.  H.  H.  Ranck,  J.  O.  Glase,  A.  G.  Her- 
bine,  C.  H.  Leinbach  and  Stockton  Snyder.  The  corner- 
stone was  laid  on  June  21,  1903. 

vOn  May  8,  1904,  the  enlarged  and  improved  church 
was  dedicated.  There  were  three  services  during  the  day, 
all  of  which  were  largely  attended.  In  the  morning  the 
sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  T.  F.  Herman,  followed  by 
an  address  by  Rev.  O.  H.  Strunck.  In  the  afternoon 
there  were  addresses  by  Dr.  B.  Bausman,  Rev.  Robert 
M.  Blackburn  and  Rev.  O.  H.  Strunck.  The  latter  made 
an  appeal  for  offerings.  After  the  addresses  the  dedica- 
tion took  place,  conducted  by  the  pastor.  Rev.  H.  H. 
Ranck.     In  the  evening  Rev.  Mr.  Herman  again  preached 


ST.  Andrew's  church.  409 

and  was  followed  in  an  address  by  Rev.  Mr.  Strnnck. — 
The  services  were  continued  during  the  week  following, 
when  sermons  were  preached  by  Revs.  X.  C.  Schaeffer, 
D.  D.,  G.  A.  Schwedes,  A.  S.  Bromer  and  S.  L.  Krebs. 
On  Friday  evening  greetings  were  brought  by  Reformed 
ministers  of  the  city. 

The  total  expense  of  the  improvements  amounted  to 
$32,000.  During  the  previous  three  years  .$12,000  had 
been  raised,  so  that  the  amount  still  needed  on  Sunday 
morning  was  |20,000.  Dur- 
ing the  day  of  dedication  the 
large  sura  of  ^1 0,1 00  was  se- 
cured in  cash  and  subscrip- 
tions. The  actual  debt  still 
remaining  was  less  than  %1(),- 
000.  The  societies  of  the  con- 
gregation assumed  the  pay- 
ment of  the  interest  on  the 
debt.     The  value  of  St.   An- 

drew's       church       property       is     view  from  comer  of  spruce 
(B'ni-\  r\f\r,  and  Miller  Streets. 

over  .^60,000. 

The  audience  room  has  a  seating  capacity  of  650, 
which  can  be  increased  to  1500  by  opening  the  doors 
leading  to  the  main  Sunday  school  room,  which  holds 
700,  and  the  church  parlor  and  lecture  room,  which  seat 
150.  A  superb  new  window  has  been  j)laccd  in  the  par- 
tition between  the  auditorium  and  the  Sunday  school 
room.  It  is  made  in  opalescent  glass  and  contains  three 
large  figures  of  St.  John,  St.  Andrew  and  St.  Peter.  The 
main  Sunday  school  department  is  45  by  76  feet,  with 
27 


410 


HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 


galleries  ou  three  sides.     There  are   numerous    memorial 
windows  which  are  beautiful  in  design.     The  library  room 


is  12  by  16  feet,  and  has  room  for  1200  books.  There  is 
a  lecture  room  with  seats  for  100  jiersons.  There  is  also 
a  church  parlor,  18  by  25  feet. 


ST.  Andrew's  church.  411 

The  basement  coutaius  several  departments.  There 
is  an  assembly  room,  50  by  76  feet,  with  a  seating  capac- 
ity of  700.  The  primary  department,  52  by  40  feet,  is 
also  on  the  ground  floor.  It  is  likewise  at  times  used 
for  social  purposes. 

There  is  a  kitchen,  18  feet  square,  having  a  slate-top 
sink,  big  closet,  large  range  with  hot  water  connections, 
tables  for  serving  edibles,  etc.  By  a  unique  arrangement 
the  kitchen  and  primary  department  communicate. 

By  the  enlargement  the  floor  space  of  the  church  has 
been  trebled. 

St.  Andrew's  church  is  now  one  of  the  most  complete 
and  beautiful  houses  of  worship  in  Reading. 

On  March  16,  1U04,  a  Christian  Endeavor  Society  was 
organized,  with  Mr.  Chas.  A.  Yeager  as  the  first  president. 

On  August  29,  1904,  the  congregation  lost  one  of  its 
most  active  and  useful  members  by  the  accidental  drown- 
ing of  Mr.  Harry  Ehl,  at  the  age  of  45  years,  7  months 
and  6  days.  He  was  an  exemplary  young  man,  and 
served  the  congregation  as  deacon  and  secretary  of  the 
consistory,  and  the  Sunday  school  seventeen  years  as 
librarian. 

On  the  evening  of  June  21,  1905,  St.  Andrew's  con- 
gregation decided  to  install  a  pipe  organ.  A  committee 
was  appointed  to  procure  the  organ,  consisting  of  Charles 
H.  Leiubach,  J.  O.  Glase,  Stockton  Snyder,  Abner  G. 
Herbeiu  and  Rev.  H.  H.  Ranck.  The  organ  was  in- 
stalled in  the  fall  of  1905  at  a  cost  of  about  $3000.  It  is 
an  excellent  instrument  which  gives  good  satisfaction. 

In  1905  St.  Andrew's  church  numbered  821  members, 
and  the  Sunday  school  1078  members. 


412 


HISTORY   OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 


Officers  in  ^^6*0. —Elders,  Chas.  E.  Diefenderfer,  John 
O.  Glase,  Johu  B.  Luft,  Lymau  Ruth  ;  deacons,  Irvin  F. 
H.  Emes,  Harry  D.  Hoffuiau,  Henry  J.  Raudeubush, 
Stockton  Snyder ;  secretary,  C.  E.  Diefenderfer ;  treas- 
urer, Stockton  Snyder  ;  organist  and  chorister,  Mrs.  J.  O. 
Glase ;  sexton,  N.  L.  Ehrgood. 

Rev.  Hexry  H.  Ranck. 

Henry  Haverstick 
Rauck  was  born  July 
24,  1868,  near  Lancas- 
ter, Pa.,  as  the  son  of 
Jacob  E.  and  Martha 
Rauck.  He  was  baptized 
in  infancy  by  Rev.  A. 
B.  Shenkel,  and  con- 
firmed by  Rev.  J.  B. 
Shumaker  in  St.  Paul's 
church,  Lancaster,  on 
April  10,  1884.  His 
preparatory  education 
was  secured  in  the  home 
schools  anil  at  Millers- 
ville  State  X  o  r  m  a  1 
School.  He  spent  one 
year  in  Franklin  and  Marshall  Academy.  In  the  fall 
of  1888  he  entered  Franklin  and  Marshall  College,  and 
graduated  from  it  in  1892.  After  this  he  spent  one  year 
in  theological  studies  in  Union  Seminary,  New  York,  and 
three  years  in  the  Reformed  Seminary  at  Lancaster,  grad- 
uating from  the  latter  institution  in  1895. 


Rev.  H.  H.  Ranck. 


ST.  Andrew's  church.  413 

Mr.  Ranck  was  examined  aud  licensed  to  preach  by 
Lancaster  Classis  in  the  spring  of  1895,  aud  dnring  three 
mouths  of  the  following  summer  supplied  the  pulpit  of 
the  Reformed  church  at  Greencastle,  Pa.,  during  the  ill- 
ness aud  after  the  death  of  the  pastor.  Rev.  C.  U.  Heil- 
man.  Having  received  a  call  from  the  Reformed  church 
at  Mechanicsburg,  Pa.,  he  was  ordained  to  the  ministry 
ou  December  5,  1896,  by  a  committee  of  Carlisle  Classis, 
consisting  of  Revs.  S.  N.  Calleuder,  D.  D.,  Wm.  H.  Groh 
aud  Miles  O.  Noll.  He  continued  in  the  work  there  un- 
til February  15,  1899.  On  Jauuary  11,  1899,  Mr.  Rauck 
was  elected  pastor  of  St.  John's  Reformed  church,  Leb- 
anon, Pa.  He  accepted  the  call,  and  was  installed  in  St. 
John's  church  on  Sunday  afternoon,  February  26,  1899, 
by  a  committee  of  Lebanon  Classis,  consisting  of  Revs.  I. 
Calvin  Fisher  aud  E.  S.  Bromer.  Dr.  J.  E.  Hiester,  the 
other  member  of  the  committee,  could  not  attend.  Dr. 
D.  E.  Klopp,  of  Lebanon,  and  Dr.  F.  Strassner,  of  Can- 
ton, Ohio,  also  took  part  iu  the  services.  Rev.  Mr.  Rauck 
continued  in  this  pastorate  until  June,  1901,  a  period  of 
two  years  and  four  and  one-half  mouths. 

In  the  mouth  of  June,  1901,  Rev.  Mr.  Rauck  was 
elected  pastor  of  St.  Andrew's  Reformed  church,  Reading, 
and  accepted  the  call,  and  was  installed  on  Sunday,  July  7. 

Ou  April  22,  1897,  Mr.  Ranck  was  married  to  Mary 
Hill  Byrne,  of  Lancaster,  Pa.  Two  children  were  born 
to  them,  both  now  living. 


SECTION  XL 

ST.  MARK^S  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

(Eleventh  Congregation  ) 

Like  the  majority  of  the  Reformed  churches  in  Read- 
ing, St.  Mark's  is  the  outgrowth  of  a  mission  school.  A 
considerable  number  of  the  families  of  the  First  church 
resided  in  the  northwestern  section  of  the  city  for  many 
years  known  as  Ricktown,  so  named  after  the  late  Charles 
Rick,  a  member  of  the  First  church,  who  formerly  owued 
a  large  part  of  the  ground  upon  which  that  section  of  the 
city  is  located.  When  certain  sections  of  the  city  were 
assigned  to  the  fostering  care  of  individual  congregations 
some  twenty  years  ago,  Ricktown  was  committed  to  the 
First  church.  Dr.  Mosser,  the  ])astor,  looked  over  the 
ground  and  saw  that  the  locality  was  ripe  for  a  Sunday 
school  and  likely  also  for  a  congregation  in  the  not  dis- 
tant future.  But  for  months  no  suitable  room  could  be 
found  in  which  to  gather  a  Sunday  school.  Presently  a 
frame  chapel  on  Tulpehockeu  street,  near  the  Lebanon 
Valley  railroad,  was  secured.  This  chapel  had  been 
erected  by  a  certain  sect,  and  after  a  short  use  was  aban- 
doned. It  was  then  sold  to  Mathias  Mengcl,  esq.,  and 
from  him  purchased  for  the  })roposed  new  school. 

In  this  place  St.  Mark's  Sunday  school  was  organized 
on  May  6,  1883,  with  60  persons,  40  of  whom  were  schol- 
ars. Dr.  Mosser  appealed  to  the  First  church  for  aid, 
and  in  response  a  number  of  persons  volunteered  to  serve 


ST.  mark's  church.  415 

as  officers  aud  teachers.  The  first  superinteudeut  was 
Mr.  Edwin  F.  Feather.  The  First  school  supplied  the 
required  literature.  The  school  showed  evidences  of  suc- 
cess from  the  start.  After  serving  a  short  time,  Mr. 
Feather  withdrew,  and  Mr.  AVni.  H.  Schearrer  succeeded 
him.  He  devoted  much  time  and  labor  to  the  develop- 
ment of  the  school,  and  his  etl^'orts  were  richly  rewarded. 
It  is  an  interesting  coincidence  that  his  sou,  Mr.  L.  F. 
Schearrer,  lias  for  a  long  time  been  laboring  as  superinten- 
dent of  Trinity  mission  school  at  Mt.  Penn,  another  child 
of  the  First  church.  On  May  9,  1887,  Mr.  R.  Monroe 
Hoifmau  was  made  superintendent,  and  served  for  some 
time.  On  October  21,  1883,  Dr.  Mosser  preached  the 
first  sermon  for  this  new  organization.  Services  were 
held  occasionally  by  the  pastor  of  the  First  church  until 
April  20,  1890,  when  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner  began  work  by 
holding  services  every  two  weeks  and  teaching  the  adult 
Bible  class. 

On  May  18,  1890,  Elder  H.  Y.  Stoner  was  ordained 
to  the  ministry  in  the  First  church  by  a  committee  of 
Schuylkill  Glassis.  (See  history  Olivet  church.)  On  May 
1  he  had  been  called  to  labor  in  North  Reading,  where  a 
Sunday  school  had  been  carried  forward  for  some  time, 
and  also  in  Ricktown,  which  two  places  were  united  as 
the  Riverside  Mission.  He  soon  after  commenced  to  hold 
regular  services  in  the  little  chapel  on  Tulpehocken  street, 
and  in  this  way  the  locality  was  gradually  prepared  for 
the  organization  of  a  congregation. 

On  Xovember  19,  1891,  Rev.  Mr.  Stoner,  assisted  by 
Dr.  H.  Mosser,  organized  St.  Mark's  Reformed  congrega- 
tion in  the  chapel  with  53  members,  as  the  eleventh   con- 


416  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED.  CHURCH. 

gregation  in  Keadiug.  These  officers  were  elected  :  El- 
ders, Frank liu  Keichert,  Martin  A.  Oswald  ;  deacons, 
Valentine  Ziegler,  Chas.  N.  Seitzinger,  all  former  mem- 
bers of  the  First  church.  These  were  ordained  and  in- 
stalled by  Pastor  Stoner. 

On  January  17,  1892,  the  congregation  celebrated  its 
first  communion,  and  received  ten  new  membertJ,  making 
the  membership  63.  It  was  of  course  from  the  beginning 
felt  that  the  modest  chapel  would  not  answer  its  new  pur- 
pose long.  It  was  too  small,  and  not  well  located.  It 
was  some  distance  away  from  the  main  street  of  the  sec- 
tion (Schuylkill  avenue),  and  no  pavement  led  to  it. 

On  March  17,  1892,  a  lot,  70  feet  on  Schuylkill  avenue 
by  47  feet  on  Ritter  street,  was  purchased  for  $2000  by 
the  First  church  as  a  site  for  a  church.  On  the  28th  day 
of  the  following  month  (April)  the  congregation  resolved 
to  proceed  with  the  erection  of  a  church.  It  was  to  be  a 
brick  building  with  sandstone  trimmings,  35  by  75  feet, 
with  a  gallery  and  a  primary  school  room.  There  were 
to  be  seats  for  about  four  hundred  persons.  About  the 
same  time  the  congregation  was  incorporated.  Ground 
was  broken  for  the  church  on  April  19,  1892. 

The  corner-stone  of  the  new  church  was  laid  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Stoner  on  Sunday,  June  19,  1892.  Nearly  all  the 
Reformed  ministers  of  the  city  were  present.  Addresses 
were  made  by  Drs.  H.  Mosser  and  C.  S.  Gerhard.  Church 
and  city  papers,  a  catechism,  hymn  book  and  a  Bible 
were  placed  into  the  stone.  The  work  of  erection  j)ro- 
gressed  rapidly,  so  that  the  congregation  and  Sunday 
school  could  occupy  the  church  on  Sunday,  Oct.  16,  1.S92. 

The  completed  new  church  was  dedicated  on  Sunday, 
November  20   1892.     It  was  a  day  of  joy   for  all    inter- 


ST.  mark's  church.  417 

ested  in  the  work.  The  formal  dedieatioD  was  performed 
by  the  pastor,  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stouer,  at  3.30  p.  m,,  after 
Rev.  E.  N.  Kremer,  D.  D.,  of  Harrisburg,  Pa,,  had 
preached  the  dedicatory  sermou  to  a  congregation  which 
crowded  the  new  church.  Besides  the  two  ministers 
mentioned  there  were  also  present  Drs.  H.  Mosser,  B. 
Bausraan,  Jas.  I.  Good,  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh,  C.  S.  Ger- 
hard, J.  W.  Steinmetz,  J.  P.  Stein,  N.  C.  Schaeffer  and 
Rev.  S.  L.  Krebs.  Prof.  F.  C.  Moyer,  of  the  First 
church,  presided  at  the  organ. 

The  new  church  was  somewhat  larger  than  had  been 
originally  planned — 35  by  81  feet.  The  finishing  was 
hard  wood,  and  the  windows  were  of  stained  glass.  The 
whole  presented  a  pleasing  appearance.  The  seating  ca- 
pacity was  450,  including  an  end  gallery.  The  cost  of  the 
church  was  .^49(30,  which  was  somewhat  less  than  the 
estimate.  This  fact  must  be  noted  as  an  exception.  As 
a  rule  the  cost  far  exceeds  the  estimate.  On  the  day  of 
dedication  there  was  a  debt  of  S2650.  During  the  day 
this  was  reduced  to  $2000.  The  lot  had  been  paid  for 
by  members  of  the  First  church.  Members  of  this  and 
St.  Paul's  church  had  contributed  largely  for  the  erection 
of  the  church.  The  membership  of  the  congregation  had 
now  grown  to  104  and  that  of  the  Sunday  school  to  275. 
Dr.  H.  Mosser  preached  in  the  evening  of  dedication  day 
to  a  large  congregation. 

On  December  6,  1892,  the  Missionary  and  Aid  So- 
ciety was  organized.  This  society  has  been  most  helpful 
in  building  up  the  congregation  and  in  developing  a  be- 
nevolent spirit. 


418  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED    CHURCH. 

On  April  27,  1893,  a  YouDg  Men's  Association  was 
organized  to  unite  the  young  men  and  boys  for  active 
work  in  the  congregation. 

The  Sunday  school  grew  quite  rapidly,  and  it  Avas  not 
long  until  the  church  was  too  small.  Therefore  in  June 
of  1894  the  congregation  resolved  to  erect  an  addition  to 
the  church  at  a  cost  of  about  $2000.  Ground  wae  broken 
on  July  26,  and  the  addition  was  dedicated  on  Sunday, 
November  18,  1894.  The  addition  was  a  one-story  brick 
building,  36  by  58  feet,  with  a  tower  75  feet  high.  The 
addition  was  intended  and  arranged  for  the  primary  de- 
partment. The  cost  of  the  improvement  was  about 
$3700,  which  was  nearly  double,  what  was  originally  in- 
tended to  be  expended.  At  the  dedication  on  November 
18  Dr.  H.  Mosser  preached  the  sermon  in  the  morning. 
Dr.  A.  R.  Bartholomew  preached  in  the  evening.  The 
total  cost  of  the  church  was  now  §8500. 

Rev.  H.  Y.  Stouer  labored  faithfully  and  with  success 
in  this  field  of  two  congregations,  but  gradually  he  found 
the  work  too  arduous  for  him,  in  addition  to  his  work  in 
the  Inter-state  Commercial  College,  whose  principal  he 
was.  He  therefore  resigned  the  charge  in  December  of 
1894,  and  his  resignation  was  accepted.  Schuylkill  Clas- 
sis  divided  the  charge  on  January  7,  1895,  by  making 
each  congregation,  St.  Mark's  and  Olivet,  a  separate 
pastoral  charge. 

On  December  17,  1894,  Rev.  Mr.  Stoner  was  unani- 
mously elected  pastor  of  St.  Mark's  congregation  as  a 
separate  charge.  He  was  installed  in  St.  Mark's  church 
on  Tuesday  evening,  January  15,  1895,  by  Drs.  H.  Vos- 
ser,  C.  S.  Gerhard  and  J.  AY.  Steinmetz  as  a  committee  of 
Schuylkill  Classis. 


ST.  mark's  church.  419 

Ou  Siiuday,  April  19,  1896,  the  sixth  anniversary  of 
the  beginning  of  Rev.  Mr.  Stouer's  work  as  pastor  of  St. 
Mark's  church  was  celebrated.  He  had  commenced  his 
work  on  the  tirst  of  May,  ]  890.  The  congregation  was 
commenced  with  53  members;  it  now  had  339  members. 
Of  this  number  137  had  been  admitted  by  confirmation. 
During  this  period  the  sum  of  $11,500  was  raised  for 
congregational  purposes  ;  $500  for  benevolence  ;  total  cost 
of  church,  $8500;  cost  of  lot,  $2000;  amount  paid  ou  lot 
and  church,  $7000  ;  present  debt,  $3500. 

On  June  1,  1897,  Rev.  Mr.  Stoner  was  granted  a  va- 
cation of  four  months  on  account  of  ill  health  and  sore 
throat. 

In  the  latter  part  of  July,  1897,  a  new  bell  weighing 
1500  pounds  was  placed  in  position  in  the  tower  of  the 
church  in  place  of  the  former  bell,  which  had  been 
cracked  some  time  before.  In  the  early  part  of  the  year 
1901  this  second  bell  was  also  cracked,  and  on  March  10 
of  this  year  a  new  or  third  bell  was  dedicated.  In  the 
evening  of  the  same  day  the  $1600  mortgage  was  burned. 
The  congregation  had  up  to  this  time  always  carried  a 
considerable  debt,  which  had  arisen  from  the  erection  of 
the  church  in  1892,  and  the  erection  of  the  addition  in 
1894.  The  debt  was  gradually  reduced,  and  now  finally 
paid.  This  was  a  great  relief,  and  the  event  was  cele- 
brated on  the  above  date.  Dr.  H.  Mosser  and  Rev.  H. 
Y.  Stoner  delivered  addresses,  and  congratulated  the  con- 
gregation upon  the  removal  of  the  debt. 

Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner  continued  to  labor  as  pastor  of  St. 
Mark's  church  until  March  13,  1898,  when  he  resigned. 
He  realized  that  he  could  no  longer  bear  the  burden   of 


420  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

his  labors,  aud  concluded  to  devote  his  time  exclusively 
to  the  commercial  college.  His  resignatiou  came  as  a  sur- 
prise to  many,  and  was  greatly  regretted. 

In  the  month  of  April,  1898,  the  congregation  elected 
Rev.  Isaac  M.  Schaeffer,  of  Ashland,  Pa.,  as  its  pastor, 
but  he  declined  tlie  call.  The  pulpit  was  supplied  by 
various  ministers  and  theological  students.  On  July  12 
the  congregation  called  Rev.  Chas.  E.  Schaeffer,  then  of 
Norristown,  Pa.,  to  the  pastorate,  aud  he  accepted  the 
call.  He  entered  upon  his  work  on  August  1,  and  was 
installed  on  Friday  evening,  September  2,  by  a  committee 
of  Reading  Classis.  Dr.  J.  W.  Steinmetz  addressed  the 
new  pastor,  whilst  Dr.  C.  S.  Gerhard  addressed  the  con- 
gregation, and  Dr.  H.  Mosser  conducted  the  installation. 

Both  the  congregation  and  the  Sunday  school  contin- 
ued to  grow  rapidly,  and  the  need  of  a  larger  and  better 
arranged  church  began  to  be  felt.  It  was  also  felt  that 
the  location  was  unsatisfactory.  The  church  was  located 
close  to  the  railroad,  and  there  was  much  annoyance 
caused  by  the  noise  of  passing  trains  and  by  the  smoke 
emitted  from  locomotives.  The  pastor  and  congregation 
therefore  looked  about  for  a  new  location  for  a  new  and 
larger  church.  On  July  17,  1901,  a  trianguhr  lot  ad- 
joining the  church  and  valued  at  $1000  was  donated  by 
Mr.  Jacob  B.  Fricker.  At  the  same  time  a  lot  of  60  by 
125  feet  at  the  southeast  corner  of  West  Oley  and  Ritter 
streets  was  donated  to  the  congregation  by  the  children  of 
the  late  Joseph  A.  Leinbach  and  by  George  A.  Leinbach, 
valued  at  $1800.  Forty  feet  additional  adjoining  this 
was  purchased  by  the  congregation  for  $1200,  so  that  it 
now  owned  a  lot  100  by  125  feet.     Subsequently  the  loca- 


ST.  mark's  church.  421 

tion  of  the  new  church  was  changed  to  the  corner  of  West 
Greenwich  and  Ritter  streets.  This  place  was  believed 
to  be  more  central,  and  in  a  general  way  better  than  the 
one  at  Oley  and  Ritter  streets.  In  August,  1903,  the  lot 
at  Oley  and  Ritter  streets,  100  by  125  feet,  was  sold  to 
J.  W.  Spouagle  for  |3650. 

On  November  17,  1901,  the  tenth  anniversary  of  the 
congregation  was  celebrated.  In  the  morning  Dr.  H. 
Mosser  preached  the  sermon.  At  the  session  of  the  Sun- 
day school  in  the  afternoon  Dr.  H.  Mosser  and  Rev.  H. 
Y.  Stoner  delivered  addresses.  At  the  evening  service 
Rev.  Mr.  Stoner  preached  the  sermon,  and  Rev.  H.  H. 
Ranck  delivered  an  address  The  congregation  was  or- 
ganized on  November  19,  1891,  with  53  members  in  a 
small  frame  chapel.  Now  it  had  grown  to  642  members, 
forty  of  whom  were  charter  members.  The  Sunday 
school,  which  was  organized  on  May  6,  1883,  with  QQ 
persons,  now  numbered  1050. 

In  May,  1903,  the  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  new 
church  Avas  awarded  to  George  W.  Beard  &  Co.  for 
$40,000.  The  contract  did  not  include  the  windows,  fur- 
niture, organ  and  heating.  The  plans  were  drawn  by 
Mr.  A.  A.  Ritcher,  of  Lebanon,  Pa.  They  provided  for 
a  main  church,  <iO  by  105  feet,  with  a  Sunday  school 
chapel  alongside  of  the  church,  50  by  105  feet.  The 
style  is  Gothic,  and  the  finishing  oak.  The  estimated 
cost  of  the  complete  church  was  $50,000.  On  May  12 
ground  was  broken  for  the  edifice.  Revs.  Dr.  J.  W.  Stein- 
metz,  C.  E.  Creitz  and  C.  E.  Schaeffer  were  present,  each 
of  whom  lifted  a  shovel  full  of  earth. 

The  corner-stone  was  laid  on  Sunday  afternoon,  Aug. 
23,  1903.     All  the  services  of  the   day    were    under  the 


422  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

directiou  of  the  pastor,  Rev.  C.  E.  Schaeffer.  lu  the 
morning  Dr.  John  S.  Stahr  preached  in  the  old  church. 
In  the  afternoon  another  service  was  held  in  the  same 
place.  Short  addresses  were  delivered  by  Revs.  T.  AV. 
Dickert,  C.  E.  Creitz  and  J.  S.  Stahr,  D.  D.  The  con- 
gregation and  Sunday  school  then  marched  in  procession 
to  the  site  of  the  new  church,  where  Rev.  C.  E.  Schaeffer 
formally  laid  the  stone.  He  was  assisted  by  Dr.  S.  R. 
Brideubaugh.  There  was  a  large  attendance  on  a  very 
warm  afternoon. 

The  old  church  was  sold  for  $6000.  Afterward  it 
was  purchased  by  Father  Borneman  for  the  purpose  of 
establishing  an  Italian  Catholic  church,  known  as  the 
"  Church  of  the  Holy  Rosary." 

The  last  service  in  the  old  church  was  held  on  Sun- 
day, June  12,  1904.  The  chapel  of  the  new  building  was 
now  completed,  so  that  the  first  service  could  be  held  in 
it  on  Sunday,  June  19.  Large  audiences  filled  the  spa- 
cious structure  at  the  three  services  during  the  day.  At 
9  a.  m.  the  children  assembled  at  the  old  church  and 
marched  to  the  new  Sunday  school  chapel  in  a  body,  where 
Children's  Day  exercises  were  held.  The  attendance 
was  very  large,  1127  persons  being  ])resent.  The  en- 
rolment was  1230,  including  37  in  the  home  department 
and  59  on  the  cradle  roll.  In  the  afternoon  at  3  o'clock 
a  service  was  held,  in  which  the  Reformed  pastors  of  the 
city  took  part.  The  following  made  brief  addresses  and 
brought  the  greetings  of  their  congregations  :  Revs.  J.  F. 
Moyer,  C.  E.  Creitz,  J.  P.  Stein,  T.  W.  Dickert,  H.  H. 
Ranck,  J.  AV.  Steinmetz,  T.  H.  Leinbach,  C.  H.  Gramm, 
I.  E.  Graeif,  AV.  E.   Harr,  S.   L.   AVhitmore,    Pottsville, 


ST.  mark's  church.  423 

and  A.  R.  Bartholomew,  secretary  of  the  Board  of  For- 
eign Missions.  In  the  evening  the  pastor,  Rev.  C.  E. 
Schaeifer,  preached  on  Psalm  34  :  11.  It  was  the  12th 
anniversary  of  Rev.  Mr.  Schaeffer's  ordination  to  the 
holy  ministry. 

In  July,  1904,  the  bell  was  removed  from  the  old 
church  and  placed  into  the  tower  of  the  new  church.  It 
weighs  ISOO  pounds  This  is  the  third  church  bell  for 
St.  Mark's,  the  two  previous  ones  having  been  cracked 
and  become  useless. 

The  new  church  was  opened  for  worship  and  dedi- 
cated on  Sunday,  November  20,  1904.  It  was  a  day  of 
rejoicing  for  pastor,  people  and  their  friends.  The  three 
services  during  the  day,  which  were  under  the  direction 
of  the  pastor.  Rev.  C.  E.  SchaefPer,  were  attended  by  con- 
gregations which  crowded  the  church.  On  Sunday  morn- 
ing Dr.  A.  R.  Bartholomew  preached  the  sermon,  and  he 
was  followed  in  an  address  by  Rev.  O.  H.  Strunck.  In 
the  afternoon  at  three  o'clock  the  first  address  was  de- 
livered by  Dr.  H.  Mosser,  of  Myerstown.  He  started  St. 
Mark's  Sunday  school  and  assisted  in  organizing  the  con- 
gregation whilst  pastor  of  the  First  church.  The  work 
was  commenced  in  a  small  way,  but  it  grew  rapidly  from 
the  start,  and  now  there  was  a  congregation  of  nearly  900 
members  and  a  Sunday  school  of  over  1200  members. 
Dr.  Mosser  contrasted  the  beginning  in  the  small  frame 
chapel  with  the  present  congregation  in  their  beautiful 
new  church.  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner,  who  was  the  first  pas- 
tor, from  1891  to  1898,  appealed  to  the  people  to  dedicate 
themselves  to  the  work  of  the  Lord,  as  they  were  now 
dedicating  their  splendid  church  to  His  service.     Rev.  R. 


424  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

M.  Blackburn  presented  greetings  from  the  Reading  Min- 
isterial Association.  Rev.  O.  H.  Strunck  and  Pastor 
Schaeffer  made  appeals  for  subscriptions,  after  which  the 
pastor  formally  dedicated  the  church.  On  Sunday  even- 
ing Rev.  Dr.  G.  W:  Richards  preached  the  sermon,  and 
Rev.  O.  H.  Strunck  delivered  an  address.  The  services 
were  continued  every  evening  during  the  week  until 
Friday.  Various  ministers  preached  sermons  and  de- 
livered addresses. 

The  new  church  has  a  frontage  on  Greenwich  street  of 
116  feet  and  on  Ritter  street  of  110  feet.  The  style  is 
Gothic  throughout.  The  three  doors  at  the  front  entrance 
lead  into  a  large  vestibule,  from  which  one  enters  the 
church  proper.  The  inside  dimensions  of  the  audience 
room  are  80  by  54  feet.  The  pews  are  arranged  in  semi- 
circular position,  and  are  made  of  quartered  oak.  The 
main  auditorium  has  a  seating  capacity^of  650.  There  is 
a  large  gallery  to  the  south  side,  seating  250  more,  mak- 
ing 900  seats.  The  church  is  connected  with  the  Sunday 
school  by  communicating  folding  doors,  which  admit  of 
the  additional  use  of  the  Sunday  school  room,  making  a 
capacity  of  1200,  for  special  occasions. 

The  windows  are  of  beautiful  ornamental  design,  viith 
figures  of  the  four  evangelists  and  the  Good  Shepherd. 
The  large  window  to  the  south  is  the  scene  of  the  annun- 
ciation of  the  angels  to  the  sliepherds.  The  large  window 
on  the  west  side,  nearest  the  pulpit,  is  a  memorial  to  Dr. 
H.  Mosser,  who  started  the  mission  which  developed  into 
St.  Mark's  church,  and  to  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stoner,  the  first 
pastor — from  1891  to  1898.  Back  of  the  pulpit  is  a 
large  organ  recess.     To  the  extreme  north  of  the  building 


ST.    MARK  S    CHURCH. 


425 


are  two  rooms,  one  of  which  is  used  by  the  choir  and  the 
other  as  a  pastor's  study. 

The  Sunday  school  room,   whicli   adjoins   the   church 
proper,  is  50  by  110  feet.     It  lias  apartments  for  the  prim- 


ST.  MARK'S  REFORMED  CHURCH. 


ary  dei)artment,  for  three  large  Bible  classes,  a  gallery 
extending  on  two  sides  for  the  larger  scholars,  and  divis- 
ions for  class  rooms  on  the  first  floor.     It  also  contains  a 

28 


426  HISTORY    OF    KEP^ORMED    CHURCH. 

ladies'  parlor  and  a  men's  reading  room.  Below  the  Sun- 
day school  is  a  large  basement  with  cement  floor  to  be 
used  for  social  purposes.  It  is  fitted  up  with  toilet  rooms, 
kitchen  apparatus  and  heating  apartments.  The  building 
througliout  is  heated  by  steam  and  lighted  by  electricity. 

The  total  cost  of  the  building,  including  ground  and 
furnishings,  is  $52,000. 

The  building  committee  consisted  of  Rev.  C  E.  Schaef- 
fer,  Wm.  T.  Snyder,  Dr.  F.  W.  Seidel,  James  D.  Christ, 
D.  V.  R.  Ludvvig  and  Albert  H.  Klopp. 

In  October,  1904,  the  Men's  League  was  organized, 
with  Chas.  R.  Krick  as  president. 

On  Sunday,  May  7,  1905,  the  new  organ  in  St.  Mark's 
church  was  dedicated.  The  three  services  were  largely 
attended.  All  were  in  charge  of  the  pastor.  Rev.  C.  E. 
Schaeffer.  In  the  morning  Rev.  Dr.  J.  I.  Good,  of"  Cal- 
vary church,  preached  the  sermon.  The  sermon  in  the 
afternoon  was  preached  by  Rev.  John  F.  Moyer,  and  that 
in  the  evening  by  Rev.  H.  Y.  Stouer.  The  organ  is  a 
fine  instrument  of  the  Austin  make,  and  cost  $3000.  Mr. 
Andrew  Carnegie  paid  one-half  and  the  congregation  the 
other  half.  The  organ  was  purchased  through  Prof.  O. 
H.  Unger,  of  this  city. 

In  1905  St.  Mark's  church  numbered  983  members 
and  the  Sunday  school  1142  meml)ers. 

OjHcers  in  iP^/J.— Ehlers,  Win.  T.  Snyder,  D.  V.  K. 
Ludwig,  Franklin  Reichert,  Percival  Baer,  Henry  L. 
Hatt,  Peter  P.  Wagner  ;  deacons,  J.  V.  Eshelman,  Chas. 
D.  Wagner,  Peter  Bright,  Elam  Fidler,  Howard  McCoy, 
George  D.  Falk  ;  secretary,  Charles  D.  Wagner  ;  treas- 
urer, William  T.  Snyder ;  organist,  Estelhi  Kci)j)elman 
Krick  ;  sexton,  Leonard  Kaucher. 


ST.  mark's  church. 


427 


Rev.  C.  E.  Schaeffer. 

Rev.  Charles  E.  Scliaeffer  is  a  sou  of  John  S.  and 
Magdaleua  Schaefter,  aud  was  born  in  Richmond  town- 
ship, near  Fleetwood,  Berks  county,  on  December  26, 
1867.  His  boyhood  days  were  spent  on  his  father's  farm. 
He  attended  the  public  schools  of  his  native  township,  aud 
prepared  for  college  at  the  Normal  School  at  Kutztowu. 
He  entered  Franklin 
aud  Marshall  College 
as  a  Sophomore  in  1886, 
and  graduated  from  that 
institution  in  1889.  He 
entered  the  Theological 
Seminary  at  Lancaster 
the  same  year,  and  grad- 
uated from  this  latter 
institution  in  May  of 
1892.  Soon  after  he 
was  examined  and  li- 
censed by  Lehigh  Clas- 
sis.  Having  received  a 
call  from  the  Macuugie 
charge,  composed  of 
Macuugie,  Emaus  aud 
Salisbury  congregations,  he  entered  upon  his  work,  and 
was  ordained  to  the  holy  ministry  at  Emaus  on  Sunday, 
June  19,  1892.  In  the  fall  of  1896  he  accepted  a  call  to 
the  Reformed  Church  of  the  Ascension,  Norristown,  which 
he  served  till  the  summer  of  1898,  when  he  became  pastor 
of  St.  Mark's  church,  Reading.     Since  1896  he  writes  the 


Rev.  Chas.  E.  Schaeffer. 


428  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

comments  on  the  Y.  P.  S.  C.  E.  topics  for  the  Messenger 
He  also  edited  the  Reformed  Church  Tidings  several  years. 
In  1892  he  was  married  to  Carrie  S.  Leinbach,  a  daughter 
of  the  late  E.  A.  Leiubach,  of  Bern  township.  Rev. 
Schaeffer  has  a  brother  in  the  ministry,  Rev.  D.  E.  Schaef- 
fer,  of  Leesport. 


SECTION  XII. 

FAITH  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

(Twelfth  Congregation  ) 

This  congregatiou  is  the  fruit  of  maDy  years'  mission 
work  iu  the  southern  part  of  the  city.  On  June  7,  1868, 
St.  Paul's  mission  school  was  organized  in  the  public 
school  house  on  Laurel  street  with  57  scholars  and  23 
officers  and  teachers.  The  movement  was  led  by  Drs.  B. 
Bausman  and  C.  F.  McCauley.  Elder  John  Ermentrout, 
one  of  the  founders  of  the  Second  church,  was  the  first 
superintendent,  and  served  several  years.  He  was  an 
energetic  and  godly  man,  and  continued  active  in  church 
work  until  near  the  close  of  his  long  life.  He  afterward 
served  as  president  of  St.  Luke's  mission  school  in  the 
public  school  house  on  Washington  street,  belov/  Fourth 
street.  Subsequently  he  was  made  general  superintendent 
of  the  several  Reformed  mission  schools  in  the  city.  He 
died  on  Xovember  17,  1882,  iu  his  79th  year.  His 
daughter,  Miss  Margaret  C.  Ermentrout,  took  an  active 
interest  in  St.  Paul's  school.  The  interest  of  these  two 
persons  in  the  school  continued  unabated  until  their  death, 
and  to  their  generosity  is  largely  due  the  erection  of  Faith 
church  on  Bingaman  street  in  1891,  where  the  original 
mission  school,  after  an  existence  of  twenty-three  years, 
found  a  permanent  home  and  was  in  the  year  1892  de- 
veloped into  Faith  congregation. 

Mr.  Ermentrout  was  succeeded  in  the  office  of  super- 
intendent by  Messrs.  W.  R.  Yeich,  Ploratio  Jones  and  B. 


430  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

Frank  Eutb,  the  latter  of  whom  served  many  years,  until 
after  the  school  had  been  transferred  to  the  new  church. 

On  July  12,  1868,  a  mouth  after  the  opening  of  the 
mission  school,  a  primary  department  was  organized  by 
Miss  Mary  Geise  (now  the  wife  of  Rev.  D.  W.  Gerhard, 
D.  D.),  who  served  as  superintendent  until  February  12, 
1870.  Mrs.  S.  F.  Ebur,  a  member  of  the  Second  church, 
now  took  charge  of  this  department,  and  continued  iu  the 
work  during  the  long  period  of  twenty-seven  years,  until 
February  3,  1896,  when  she  retired.  She  rendered  effi- 
cient and  faithful  s'  rvice.  On  the  above  day  she  was 
presented  with  a  beautiful  Bible  by  the  officers  and  teach- 
ers as  a  token  of  their  respect  and  esteem  for  her.  Mrs. 
Ebur  died  on  June  25,  1901. 

During  a  number  of  years  the  several  mission  schools 
in  the  city  were  under  the  care  of  the  Sunday  School  As- 
sociation, which  was  composed  of  the  pastors,  officers  and 
teachers  of  the  Reformed  congregations,  and  which  held 
monthly  meetings  on  Sunday  afternoons.  At  a  later 
period  the  Association  was  discontinued,  and  the  several 
mission  schools  placed  under  the  care  of  individual 
churches.  The  result  showed  the  wisdom  of  this  arrange- 
ment. St.  Paul's  mission  school  was  placed  under  the 
fostering  care  of  the  Second  church. 

In  June,  1882,  the  name  of  St.  Paul's  mission  was 
changed  to  John  Ermentrout  mission.  It  bore  this  name 
until  it  was  transferred  to  the  new  church,  when  the  name 
was  changed  to  Faith  Reformed  Sunday  school. 

It  had  long  been  felt  that  the  John  Ermentrout  mis- 
sion needed  a  better  place  of  meeting  than  the  public 
school    house   on    Laurel    street   affiarded.     Therefore   a 


FAITH    CHURCH.  431 

movemeut  was  started  for  the  erection  of  a  church  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  city,  in  which  the  school  could  hold 
its  sessions,  and  in  which  a  couteniplated  new  Reformed 
congregation  could  worship. 

In  the  mouth  of  April,  1890,  a  lot  located  on  Binga- 
man  street,  above  Fourth,  was  purcha^l  for  |3200,  and 
ou  August  1  of  the  same  year  the  consistory  of  the  Second 
church  resolved  to  proceed  with  the  erection  of  a  brick 
church,  with  sandstone  trimmings  and  a  tower  13  by  13 
feet.  Ground  was  broken  on  Nov.  22,  1890.  Dr.  C.  F. 
McCauley,  pastor  of  the  Second  church,  lifted  the  first 
shovelful  of  earth.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  on  Feb.  8, 
1891,  by  Dr.  R.  W.  Miller,  then  assistant  pastor  of  the 
Second  church.  Dr.  H.  Mosser  delivered  an  address. 
The  church  and  city  papers,  together  with  a  history  of  the 
mission,  were  placed  in  the  stone.  Drs.  B.  Bausman,  J. 
W.  Steinmetz,  C.  S.  Gerhard  and  L.  K.  Derr  also  took 
part  in  the  services.  The  work  was  pushed  rapidly,  and 
completed  in  the  following  spring.  The  building  com- 
mittee was  composed  of  J.  H.  Stein,  B.  F.  Ruth,  P.  M. 
Ermeutrout  and  William  T.  Hain,  all  members  of  the 
Second  church. 

The  new  church  was  opened  for  worship  on  Sunday, 
June  21,  1891,  with  three  services  during  the  day.  Dr. 
G.  W.  Williard  preached  in  the  morning  and  in  the  after- 
noon, and  Dr.  C  S.  Gerhard  preached  in  the  evening. 
The  church  is  36  by  102  feet  in  size,  Gothic  style,  erected 
of  brick  with  sandstone  trimmings,  and  has  a  seating 
capacity  of  about  four  hundred.  The  building  is  divided 
into  three  parts — a  Bible  class  room,  main  department 
and  primary  department.  The  main  department  is  the 
audience  room  of  the  congregation.     All  the  windows  arc 


432 


HISTOEY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 


memorials.  One  of  them  is  a  douatiou  from  the  Chinese 
class  of  the  Second  chnrch  Sunday  school.  The  others  are 
memorials  from  individuals  and  classes  of  the  Second  Re- 
formed Sunday  school.  The  furniture  is  of  oak.  The 
whole  presents  a  neat  and  cheerful  appearance.  The  cost 
of  the  church  and  lot  was  about  S13,(H)(). 

Of  the  above  amount  Miss  M.  C.  Ermentrout,  already 
mentioned,  contributed 
$4000.  Her  long  cher- 
ished wish  for  a  church 
in  that  locality  was  at 
last  fulfilled.  But  she 
had  long  been  an  inval- 
id, and  could  not  attend 
the  services  in  the  new 
church.  Although  con- 
fined to  her  room  during 
a  number  of  years,  she 
was  yet  remarkably  act- 
ive. She  was  of  a  most 
genial  and  charming 
disposition,  and  wielded 
an  extended  influence  in 
tiie  city.  She  called  her 
friends  to  her  room  and  planned  various  charities.  She 
was  the  founder  of  the  Bureau  of  P^mployment,  where 
poor  women  are  given  sewing  at  fair  wages.  She  also 
originated  the  Day  Nursery,  where  infants  were  cared  for 
whilst  their  mothers  were  at  work.  This  charity  was 
developed  into  the  Home  for  Friendless  Children.  Miss 
Ermentrout  was  also  one  of  the    leading   spirits    in    the 


Margaret  C.  Epmentpout. 


FAITH    CHURCH.  433 

founding  of  the  Widow's  Home.  Tliese  charities  have 
since  grown  to  large  proportions,  and  have  already  accom- 
plished a  vast  amount  of  good,  and  will  continue  to  do  so 
indefinitely.  Miss  Ermentrout  was  also  the  principal 
advocate  for  Faith  church  and  congregation.  Her  name 
will  ever  be  remembered  with  pleasure  and  gratitude. 
She  also  gave  $1000  to  Bethany  Orphans'  Home  and 
$1000  to  the  Second  church,  of  which  sum  $500  was 
given  to  endow  two  free  pews  permanently.  Miss  Er- 
mentrout entered  into  rest  on  October  7,  1894,  aged  58 
years.  When  her  remains  were  being  conveyed  past  the 
Children's  Home  to  the  cemetery,  the  inmates  of  this 
noble  charity  stood  in  front  of  the  place  to  show  their 
respect  for  their  departed  benefactress.  A  memorial  ser- 
vice was  held  in  Faith  church  on  October  21,  when  Rev. 
F.  B.  Hahn,  the  pastor,  delivered  a  suitable  address  on 
the  life  and  work  of  the  departed. 

On  June  28,  1891,  the  Sunday  following  the  opening 
of  the  church,  the  John  Ermentrout  (originally  St.  Paul's) 
mission  school  was  transferred  to  the  church  and  reorgan- 
ized under  the  name  of  Faith  Reformed  Sunday  school. 
Mr.  B.  Frank  Ruth  and  Mrs.  S.  F.  Ebur  continued  in 
their  positions  of  superintendent  and  primary  superinten- 
dent. Occasionally  public  worship  was  conducted  in  the 
new  church.  Mr.  Eugene  McLean,  a  member  of  the 
Senior  class  in  Lancaster  Seminary,  was  appointed  to  sup- 
ply Faith  mission  and  St.  James'  mission  in  West  Read- 
ing with  preaching  services  during  the  fall  and  winter  of 
1892. 

On  Sunday  evening,  November  13,  1892,  Dr.  S.  R. 
Bridenbaugh,  pastor  of  the  Second  church,  organized  Faith 


434  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Reformed  congregation  with  40  members.  This  was  the 
twelfth  Reformed  congregation  in  Reading.  These  offi- 
cers were  elected  :  Elders,  S.  S.  Lesher,  L.  R.  Snyder  ; 
deacons,  J.  C.  Palm,  Robert  Heffelfinger  ;  trustees,  F.  H. 
Eckenroad,  Aquilla  Yeager.  The  officers  were  ordained 
and  installed  on  Sunday,  November  27,  by  Dr.  Briden- 
baugh.  Mr.  Eekenroad,  one  of  the  trustees,  had  faith- 
fully served  the  Sunday  school  more  than  twenty  years  as 
treasurer. 

On  January  1,  1893,  Rev.  F.  B.  Hahn,  then  pastor  of 
St.  Paul's  church,  Kutztown,  Pa.,  was  called  as  pastor  of 
Faith  church  in  Reading  and  St.  James'  church  in  West 
Reading.  He  accepted  the  call,  and  entered  upon  the 
work  in  this  charge  in  the  middle  of  February  following. 
He  addressed  himself  with  vigor  to  the  work  in  hand. 
He  canvassed  the  lower  part  of  the  city  thoroughly,  and 
succeeded  in  bringing  many  persons  into  the  new   church. 

In  April  of  1893  the  Ermentrout  Missionary  and  Aid 
Society  was  organized.  This  organization  has  been  very 
helpful  to  the  congregation.  In  this  society,  as  well  as  in 
the  Sunday  school  and  elsewhere,  the  self-sacrificing  wife 
of  the  pastor  found  a  wide  field  for  activity  and  usefulness. 

When  the  church  liad  been  completed  and  opened,  a 
debt  of  several  thousand  dollars  remained.  The  formal 
dedication  of  the  church  was  delayed  until  after  the  pay- 
ment of  the  debt.  On  March  10,  1901,  the  debt  had  been 
fully  paid,  and  the  church  was  dedicated  by  Rev.  F.  B. 
Hahn.  Dr.  B.  Bausman  preached  the  sermon,  after  which 
the  mortgage  was  burned.  All  were  glad  that  this  point 
had  been  reached.  As  already  stated,  the  cost  of  the 
church  and  lot  was  $13,000,  and  the   whole   amount  was 


FAITH    CHURCH. 


435 


FAITH    REFORMED    CHURCH. 


436 


HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 


paid  by  members  of  the  Second  church.  The  payment  of 
the  debt  gave  uew  encouragement  to  the  pastor  and  peo- 
ple, but  no  one  thought  that  the  pastor's  labors  were  soon 
to  end. 

On  May  1(3,  1901,  the  members  of  Faith  church  and 
the  community  were  startled  and  grieved  by  the  sudden 
and  unexpected  death  of  Rev.  Mr.  Hahn,  of  neuralgia  of 
the  heart.  On  the  Sun- 
day evening  previous 
he  had  preached  in  Boy- 
ertovvn,  and  was  there 
taken  ill,  but  returned 
to  his  home  the  same 
evening.  He  appeared 
to  have  been  nearly  well 
again,  when  he  was  sud- 
denly called  away.  Not 
many  knew  that  he  had 
been  ill  when  they  heard 
of  his  death.  He  was 
thus  stricken  down  in 
the  midst  of  his  active 

work.  Rev.  Frederick  B.  Hahn. 

The  funeral  of  Mr.  Hahn  took  place  on  May  21,  1901, 
in  the  Second  church.  Addresses  were  delivered  by  Drs. 
E.  V.  Gerhart,  J.  C.  Bowman  and  B.  Bausman.  There 
was  a  large  attendance,  including]  over  thirty  ministers. 
Interment  was  made  in  Charles  Evans'  cemetery. 

Frederick  B.  Hahn  was  born  in  Plaintield  township, 
Northampton  county,"Pa.,  September  8,  1847,  and  was 
therefore  in  his  fifty-fourth  year  when  he  died.     He  was 


FAITH   CHURCH.  437 

the  son  of  Richard  and  Sophia  Hahu.  He  was  educated 
at  Keystone  State  Normal  School,  the  Academy  at  Mer- 
cersburg,  Franklin  and  Marshall  College  and  Lancaster 
Seminary,  and  graduated  from  the  latter  institution  in 
May  of  1878.  He  was  examined  and  licensed  by  Lancas- 
ter Classis,  and  afterward  in  the  same  year  ordained  by 
St.  Paul's  Classis  in  western  Pennsylvania.  He  served 
pastoral  charges  in  Greenville,  Mt.  Pleasant,  Meadville, 
Cleveland,  Kutztowu  and  Reading.  He  came  to  Reading 
in  1892,  and  labored  here  until  called  home  in  1901. 
When  Reading  Classis  was  organized,  he  was  elected  its 
stated  clerk,  and  filled  this  office  until  his  death.  In 
1899  he  was  a  delegate  of  Reading  Classis  to  the  General 
Synod  at  Tiffin,  Ohio.  On  June  4,  1874,  Mr.  Hahn  was 
married  to  Miss  Ella  R.  Bridenbaugh,  a  sister  of  Rev. 
Dr.  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh,  pastor  of  the  Second  church, 
Reading.  Their  union  was  blessed  witli  six  children,  four 
of  whom  are  living. 

During  the  summer  of  1901  the  pulpit  of  Faith  church 
was  supplied  by  various  ministers  and  students.  On  Sep- 
tember 1,  1901,  Mr.  W.  E.  Harr  was  elected  pastor,  and 
he  accepted  the  call.  He  is  the  sou  of  William  C.  and 
Elizabeth  Cope  Harr,  and  was  born  on  Nov.  2,  1874,  at 
Bridgetown,  Pa.  His  preparatory  education  was  secured 
at  Lehigh  Preparatory  School  at  Bethlehem,  Pa.  In  the 
fall  of  1894  he  entered  Franklin  and  Marshall  College, 
and  graduated  from  it  in  the  spring  of  1898.  In  the  fall 
of  the  same  year  he  entered  the  Theological  Seminary  at 
Lancaster,  and  graduated  from  it  in  May,  1901.  On 
May  21  of  the  same  year  he  was  examined  and  licensed 
by  Tohickon  Classis.  Mr.  Harr  was  ordained  on  Octo- 
ber 8,  1901,  by  a  committee  of  Reading  Classis,  consist- 


438 


HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 


ing  of  Revs,  S.  R.  Brideubaugh,  D.  D.,  J.  R.  Browu  and 
H.  Y.  Stoner,  At  the  same  time  he  was  installed  as  pas- 
tor of  the  charge  consisting  of  Faith  church  in  Reading 
and  St.  James'  church  in  West  Reading. 

He  has  been  laboring  hitherto  in  this  charge  with  en- 
couraging success. 

On  June  5,  1904,  the  thirty-fifth  anniversary  of  the 
Sunday  school  was  celebrated.  The  exercises  were  in 
charge  of  Mr.  Harry  R. 
Shoup,  the  superinten- 
dent. There  were  ex- 
tensive decorations,  in 
the  centre  of  w' hich  was 
a  large  portrait  of  Elder 
John  Ermentrout,  the 
fi  rst  superintendent,  who 
had  done  very  much  for 
the  school.  Addresses 
were  delivered  by  the 
following :  B.  F.  Ruth, 
Frank  O.  Cruise,  Fred. 
Jones  and  Prof.  S.  W. 
Kerr,  the  latter  of  whom 
was  for  some  time  the 
teacher  of  the  Bible  Class.  Drs.  S.  R.  Bridenbauoh  and 
B.  Bausman  w-ere  also  present  and  made  a  few  remarks. 

In  the  spring  of  1905  Faith  congregation  purchased 
the  two-story  brick  house,  425  Bingaman  street,  adjoining 
the  church,  from  Harrison  S.  Dipj)ery  for  $1900.  The 
building  is  on  the  east  side  of  the  edifice. 

In  1905  Faith  church  numbered  165  members,  and 
the  Sunday  school  290  members. 


Rev.  W.  E.  Harr. 


FAITH    CHURCH.  439 

lu  1905  the  officers  of  Faith  church  were  :  Eklers, 
AVra.  E.  AVeidner,  treasurer,  Heury  F.  Reifsuyder ;  dea- 
cons, Wm.  Schultz,  Harry  Shoup,  Dauiel  Schucker,  sec- 
retary, and  John  Kneeb ;  janitor,  Lincoln  Heffelfinger. 


SECTION  XIII. 

ST,  JAMES'  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

(Thirteenth    Congregation.) 

West  Reading  is  located  on  the  western  side  of  the 
river  Schuylkill,  directly  opposite  Reading.  In  recent 
years  the  place  experienced  a  good  deal  of  a  building 
boom,  and  is  now  a  village  of  considerable  size. 

On  July  7,  1892,  St.  James'  Reformed  Sunday  school 
was  organized  in  West  Reading  with  150  scholars  and  16 
teachers.  The  movement  was  under  the  direction  of  Dr. 
S.  R.  Bridenbaugh  and  the  Second  Reformed  Sunday 
school,  who  had  been  fostering  the  mission  from  its  be- 
ginning. The  sessions  were  held  in  a  chapel  which  had 
been  erected  and  for  some  time  used  by  the  Christian 
Episcopal  Church.  The  property  was  purchased  by  Mr. 
John  H.  Obold,  who  was  made  superintendent  of  the 
school  and  continued  as  such  until  the  summer  of  1904, 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  M.  A.  Gring.  There  was 
a  debt  of  $1924  upon  the  property,  which  was  gradually 
paid  off,  the  Sunday  school  of  the  Second  church  contrib- 
uting .«il  100  toward  the  enterprise.  Under  Mr.  Obold's 
leadership  the  school  made  excellent  progress,  and  it  M-as 
not  long  before  the  organization  of  a  congregation  was 
undertakeu.  In  the  early  part  of  August,  1892,  Dr.  S. 
R.  Bridenbaugh,  who  had  urged  the  starting  of  the  Sun- 
day school,  began  to  conduct  services  in  the  ciuirch,  which 
he  continued  on  Thursday  evening  of  each  week  with  the 


ST.    JAMES'   CHURCH.  441 

view  of  preparing  the  way  for  the  organization  of  a  con- 
gregation. 

On  January  1,  1893,  Rev.  F.  B.  Hahn,  of  Kutztown, 
Pa.,  was  elected  pastor  of  Faith  church  in  Reading,.  He 
accepted  the  call,  and  entered  upon  the  work  in  the  mid- 
dle of  February. 

On  January  1,  1893,  St.  James'  Reformed  church  was 
organized  with  62  members  by  Dr.  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh, 
pastor  of  the  Second  church.  This  was  the  thirteenth 
congregation  for  Reading.  Officers  were  elected  and  in- 
stalled by  Dr.  Bridenbaugh.  The  new  congregation  united 
with  Faith  congregation  on  Bingaman  street,  Reading,  as 
a  pastoral  charge,  with  Rev.  F.  B.  Hahn  as  pastor  of  both 
congregations. 

In  March  of  the  same  year  (1893)  the  Missionary  and 
Aid  Society  was  organized,  which  raised  S300  during  the 
first  year,  and  has  ever  since  rendered  most  helpful  ser- 
vices to  the  congregation. 

In  the  fall  of  1895  the  Young  People's  Society  was 
organized,  which  has  also  been  very  active  and  useful  in 
that  particular  locality. 

Both  the  school  and  the  congregation  grew  in  num- 
bers, so  that  in  April  of  1897  the  congregation  resolved  to 
erect  an  addition  to  the  church.  The  work  was  soon  after 
undertaken,  and  the  enlarged  church  was  dedicated  on 
Sunday  afternoon,  June  27,  1897.  Rev.  D.  B.  Shuey 
preached  the  sermon  in  the  morning.  In  the  afternoon 
Children's  Day  services  were  held,  with  addresses  by 
Revs.  F.  B.  Hahn,  C.  S.  Gerhard,  D.  D.,  J.  W.  Stein- 
metz,  D.  D.,  H.  Mosser,  D.  D.,  I.  P.  Stein,  D.  D.,  E.  B. 
Lyttle,  M.  A.  Kietfer  and  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh,  D.  D.,  after 
29 


442 


HISTORY   OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 


which  Pastor  Hahn  formally  dedicated  the  church.     The 
sermon  in  the  evening  was  preached  by  Rev.  K.  W.  Mil- 


ler, D.  D.     The  offerings  of  the  day   amounted   to  $112. 
The  school  which   had  been  organized   five  years  before 


ST.  ja:mes'  church.  443 

with  150  scholars  uow  had  a  membership  of  300.  It  had 
been  greatly  in  need  of  the  enlarged  quarters  uow  pro- 
vided. The  congregation  had  by  this  time  also  increased 
to  90  members. 

Pastor  Hahu  performed  much  missionary  and  pastoral 
work,  and  succeeded  in  gathering  many  people  into  the 
church  and  the  school.  Uufortunately  he  was  in  the  midst 
of  his  labors  suddenly  stricken  down  by  neuralgia  of  the 
heart,  and  died  on  May  16, 1901.  This  was  a  great  shock 
to  the  congregation  in  which  he  was  greatly  beloved. 
(For  sketch  of  his  life  and  labors  see  history  of  Faith  ch.) 

After  the  death  of  Rev.  Mr.  Hahn  the  pulpit  of  St. 
James'  church  was  supplied  by  various  persons  until  the 
fill  of  the  same  year,  when  on  Sept.  1  licentiate  William 
K.  Harr  was  elected  to  the  pastorate.  (For  biographical 
sketch  of  Mr.  Harr  see  history  of  Faith  church.)  He  con- 
tinues in  the  pastorate  at  the  present  time. 

The  congregation  expects  in  the  near  future  to  erect  a 
larger  and  better  arranged  church.  On  Nov.  27,  1904,  it 
resolved  to  purchase  a  lot  of  ground  at  the  southeast  corner 
of  Penn  and  Seventh  avenues,  having  a  frontage  of  150 
ieet  and  a  depth  of  150  feet,  upon  which  a  church  is  to  be 
erected  in  a  few  years.  Such  a  step  is  becoming  necessary 
through  the  growth  of  the  congregation  and  the  Sunday 
school. 

In  1905  St.  James'  congregation  numbered  180  mem- 
bers and  the  Sunday  school  315  members. 

The  officers  in  1905  were  :  Elders,  R.  AV.  D.  Schell, 
Wm.  A.  Hechler;  deacons,  James  M.  Hain,  secretary, 
Henry  Trostle,  Benjamin  Seidle,  Levi  S.  Jones,  treasurer, 
Calvin  A.  Leinbach,  Oscar  P.  Holl  ;  janitor,  Peter  Good. 


SECTION  XIV. 

TRINITY  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

(Fourteenth  Congregation.) 

The  most  recently  organized  Reformed  congregation 
in  Reading  is  Trinity  church  in  the  borough  of  Mt.  Peun, 
formerly  known  as  Wood  vale. 

As  early  as  1873  a  union  Sunday  school  was  organized 
in  the  public  school  house  at  Deugler's,  then  a  short  dist- 
ance east  of  Reading.  In  1885  a  Lutheran  chapel  was 
erected  in  the  neighborhood  and  a  Lutheran  Sunday  school 
established  in  it.  Some  of  the  Reformed  children  attended 
this  school,  whilst  others  attended  nowhere,  the  old  union 
school  having  been  discontinued. 

A  number  of  Reformed  people  organized  a  Sunday 
school  in  the  public  school  house  in  Wood  vale  on  June 
15,  1890.  Mr.  D.  V.  R.  Ludwig  was  elected  superin- 
tendent and  served  a  short  time  until  he  was  called  to  the 
superintendency  of  the  new  St.  Thomas'  Sunday  school  in 
Reading.  He  is  now  connected  with  St.  Mark's  church 
and  school.  After  him  came  Peter  B.  Keen,  Charles  Wil- 
liams and  William  Soder  as  superintendents.  But  the 
school    was   small,  and   was  disbanded  on  July  26,  181*1. 

After  several  years  the  Reformed  people  again  realized 
the  need  of  a  Sunday  school  in  that  locality.  Dr.  J.  W. 
Steinmetz  directed  them  to  Dr.  H.  Mosser,  pastor  of  the 
First  church,  with  the  reipiest  to  send  them  a  good  man  to 
conduct  a  Sunday  school.     Dr.  M.  sent  them  Mr.  Freder- 


TRINITY    CHURCH.  445 

ick  Yeakel,  who  reorganized  the  Sunday  school  ou  Sun- 
day, Feb.  3,  1895,  and  served  it  as  superintendent  until 
Jan.  12, 1897,  when  failing  health  compelled  him  to  resign. 
He  went  to  Colorado,  where  he  is  still  residing.  He  was 
a  faithful  and  good  worker. 

Mr.  Yeakel  was  succeeded  as  superintendent  on  Feb. 
7,  1897,  by  Mr.  Llewellyn  F.  Schearrer,  also  a  member 
of  the  First  church  who  continues  in  the  position  to  this 
day.  Through  his  labors  the  school  has  increased  and 
prospered.  When  he  entered  upon  the  work,  the  school 
had  about  eighty  members.  Mr.  Schearrer  formerly  dur- 
ing ten  years  filled  the  office  of  assistant  secretary  and 
secretary  in  the  Sunday  school  of  the  First  church. 

In  October  of  1895  a  lot  was  purchased  in  Woodvale 
for  $387  as  a  site  for  a  church.  Mr.  D.  D.  Dundore 
made  the  first  contribution  toward  the  purchase. 

In  the  beginning  of  July,  1897,  Rev.  M.  L.  Herbein, 
the  new  pastor  of  Spiess  Reformed  church,  was  requested 
to  preach  for  the  people  in  the  school  house.  He  con- 
sented, and  conducted  the  first  service  there  ou  July  11, 
preaching  on  Luke  6  :  36.  Forty-two  persons  were  pres- 
ent, and  soon  a  desire  was  manifested  for  a  congregation 
at  that  place.  Fifty-two  persons  petitioned  Reading  Clas- 
sis  for  permission  to  organize  a  Reformed  congregation. 
The  request  was  granted  on  October  18,  1897. 

On  October  31,  1897,  Trinity  Reformed  congregation 
was  organized  in  Woodvale.  These  officers  were  elected  : 
Elders,  David  D.  Dundore,  Irwin  N.  Manwiller ;  dea- 
cons, Wm.  B.  Addams,  Wm.  O.  Leinbach.  Rev.  Mr. 
Herbein  ordained  and  installed  these  officers  on  October 
31,  1897.     At  the  same  time   Mr.   Herbein   was  unani- 


446  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

raously  elected  pastor  of  the  new  flock.  On  December  7 
of  the  same  year  the  congregation  was  incorporated  by  the 
Berks  county  court. 

In  the  month  of  November,  1897,  the  congregation 
resolved  to  erect  a  one-story  brick  church,  40  by  60  feet, 
upon  the  lot  purchased  in  1895.  The  following  persons 
were  appointed  as  a  building  committee  :  Louis  Kraemer, 
sr.,  Wm.  K.  Adam,  David  D.  Nein,  David  D.  Dundore 
and  Rev.  M.  L.  Herbein.  Ground  was  broken  on  De- 
cember 3,  1897,  and  the  foundation  walls  erected.  Sub- 
sequently the  contract  for  the  erection  of  the  bare  church 
above^  the  foundations  was  awarded  to  Mr.  David  D. 
Dundore  for  $2400. 

The  corner-stone  was  laid  on  Sunday,  March  13,  1898, 
by  Rev.  M.  L.  Herbein.  Dr.  H.  Mosser  preached  the 
sermon. 

On  Sunday,  June  19,  1898,  the  new  church  was  dedi- 
cated. In  the  morning  the  sermon  was  preached  by  Dr. 
H.  Mosser.  In  the  afternoon  the  sermon  was  preached 
by  Dr.  J.  W.  Stein metz,  after  which  the  pastor.  Rev.  Mr. 
Herbein,  formally  dedicated  the  church.  Revs.  J.  P. 
Stein,  D.  D.,  J.  R.  Brown  and  X.  Z.  Snyder,  D.  D.,  were 
also  present  and  took  part  in  the  services.  In  the  evening 
Dr.  S.  R.  Bridenbaugh  preached  the  sermon.  During  the 
day  the  sum  of  $127  was  realized. 

The  church  has  a  seating  capacity  of  about  300.  The 
finishing  is  in  oak,  and  the  windows  are  of  stained  glass. 
The  sweet-toned  organ  was  built  by  Mr.  E.  E.  Palm,  of 
Reading.  The  steeple  is  surmounted  by  a  ball  and  cross, 
which  are  covered  with  gold  leaf.  The  church  is  well 
lighted  and  presents  an  inviting  appearance.  The  con- 
tract price  didjnot  include  the  windows,   organ,  furniture. 


TRINITY   CHURCH. 


447 


heater  and  lightiug,  and  the  total  cost  of  the  building  and 
lot  was  $4200.  The  Sunday  school  pays  the  interest  on 
the  debt.     A  debt  of  $1700  remains  on  the  property. 


TRINITY    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

In  October  of  1898  a  missionary  society  was  organized. 
There  is  also  an  active  ladies'  aid  society  in  the  congrega- 
tion. 


448  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

The  first  baptism  in  the  new  church  took  place  on  July 
10,  1898,  the  subjects  being  Arthur  Peter  Hafer  and  Jen- 
nie Ellen  Xein.  The  first  confirmation  was  that  of  Bertha 
E.  S.  Lutz  on  July  1,  18i)8.  The  first  person  to  receive 
the  communion  in  the  church  was  Mrs.  William  K.  Atlarn 
on  July  3,  and  the  first  funeral  in  the  church  was  that  of 
William  D.  Xein  on  Dec.  29,  1898. 

Since  the  meeting  of  the  Sunday  school  in  the  church 
Mr.  William  O.  Leinbach  has  served  as  secretary  of  the 
school,  and  Miss  Jennie  Lutz  has  served  as  organist,  both 
of  the  school  and  the  congregation. 

Formerly  the  village  at  this  place  was  known  as  Wood- 
vale,  and  its  post-office  bore  the  name  Dengler's.  During 
many  years  Dengler's  hotel  was  the  only  building  at  this 
point.  On  Xov.  7,  1902,  the  village  was  incorporated  as 
a  borough  under  the  name  of  Mt.  Penn. 

The  congregation  at  present  (1905)  numbers  90  mem- 
bers and  the  Sunday  school  150  members. 

The  officers  of  Trinity  church  in  1905  were  :  Elders, 
David  D.  Dundore,  Wm.  K.  Adam  ;  deacons,  Edward  S. 
Adam,  Jacob  S.  Xein  ;  secretary,  David  D.  Dundore  ; 
treasurer,  Edward  S.  Adam  ;  organist.  Miss  Jennie  Lutz  ; 
janitor,  Wra.  O.  Leinbach. 

Rev.  Mabry  L.  Herbein  was  born  in  Spring  township, 
Berks  county.  Pa.,  on  October  23,  1871.  His  preparatory 
education  was  secured  in  Prof  Brunncr's  Scientific  Acad- 
emy in  Reading  and  in  Keystone  X'ormal  School  at  Kutz- 
town.  Whilst  attending  the  former  he  walked  seven 
miles  every  morning  and  the  same  distance  in  the  even- 
ing. He  taught  five  terms  in  the  public  schools,  securing 
a  permanent  teachers'  certificate.     During  this  time  he 


TRINITY    CHURCH. 


449 


also  pursued  private  studies  iu  the  higher  branches.  lu 
1894  Mr.  Herbeiu  entered  the  Seminary  at  Lancaster  and 
graduated  from  it  in  1897.  He  was  licensed  by  Lebanon 
Classis  in  the  same  month. 
On  June  20, 1897,  he  was 
ordained  by  a  committee 
of  Reading  Classis,  con- 
sisting of  Dr.  S.  R.  Bri- 
denbaugh  and  Dr.  J.  P. 
Stein,  and  installed  as 
pastor  of  Spiess  church, 
near  Reading,  which  he 
since  served  in  connec- 
tion with  Trinity  church 
at  Mt.  Penn.  Since  April 
of  1900  he  has  served  as 
chaplain  of  the  Berks 
county  almshouse.  On 
August  6,  1905,  he  was 
elected  pastor  of  the  Bern 
church,  which  he  is  now 

also  serving.  He  was  brought  up  as  a  son  of  this  con- 
gregation. On  December  20,  1898,  Mr.  Herbein  was 
married  to  Miss  Sue  Rothermel,  of  near  Fleetwood,  Berks 
county.  Pa. 


Rev.  M.  L.  Herbein. 


SECTION  XV. 

ALSACE  UNION  CHURCH. 

This  church  is  located  on  the  northeastern  border  of 
the  city  of  Reading.  More  than  one-half  of  the  Reformed 
members  reside  in  the  city,  so  that  a  short  sketch  of  the 
church  properly  belongs  to  this  volume. 

The  date  of  the  organization  of  the  Alsace  church  is 
not  known.  Singularly  and  unfortunately  there  are  prac- 
tically no  records  at  hand.  Then  the  congregation  was 
always  independent  of  synodical  authority,  so  that  there 
is  no  reference  to  it  in  the  Coetal  or  early  Synodical  min- 
utes. Tradition  says  the  church  was  organized  about 
1740.  That  was  eight  years  before  the  town  of  Reading 
was  laid  out.  At  that  time  there  was  only  one  house  in 
the  area  now  embraced  in  the  city  of  nearly  100,000  peo- 
ple. The  early  settlers  in  this  region  came  from  Alsace, 
Europe.  This  fact  is  stated  in  the  petition  for  the  erec- 
tion of  the  township  in  1744,  for  which  the  name  Alsace 
was  adopted.  The  same  name  was  also  given  the  first 
church  erected  in  the  district. 

The  Alsace  church  is  tiie  oldest  religious  society  in 
this  region.  There  was  a  burial  ground  connected  with 
the  church  from  the  beginning,  and  here  are  resting  the 
remains  of  many  of  the  first  settlers. 

Rev.  Henry  Melchior  Muhlenberg,  in  his  reports  to 
the  "  Hallische  Xachrichten,"  furnishes  us  some  data  in 
reference  to  the  early  history  of  Alsace  church.     In  the 


ALSACE   CHURCH. 


451 


year  1754  he  reports  that  the  vReformed  aud  Lutherans 
erected  a  union  church  at  Alsace  during  his  time.  He 
came  to  America  on  November  25,  1742.  Consequently 
the  first  church  must  have  been  erected  after  that  date, 
some  time  between  1743  and  1747.  It  was  a  union 
church  of  the  Reformed  and  Lutherans.  But  there  was 
much  contention  from  the  beginning,  which  continued  un- 


ALSACE    UNION    CHURCH. 


til  1753,  when  the  lleformed  withdrew,  upon  having  re- 
turned to  them  the  money  they  had  given  for  the  erection 
of  the  church.  In  this  year  (1753)  the  Reformed  congre- 
gation in  Reading  was  organized,  and  it  is  believed  that 
the  Reformed  people  of  Alsace  became  members  of  that 
congregation.  At  a  later  but  unknown  date  the  Reformed 
people  of  Alsace  were  organized  into  a  congregation  and 


452  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

the  union  with  the  Lutherans  was  renewed.  This  union 
has  ever  since  continued. 

The  present  church  was  erected  in  1850,  and  is  the 
third  house  of  worship  erected  on  this  ground.  Of  the 
character  of  the  previous  churches  no  record  remains. 
The  corner-stone  of  the  present  church  was  laid  on  May  9, 
1850,  and  the  dedication  took  place  on  October  19  and 
20  following.  It  is  a  large,  substantial  brick  building, 
standing  upon  elevated  ground,  which  affords  an  exten- 
sive view  over  the  city  and  surrounding  country.  In 
1885  the  church  was  repaired  and  repainted,  and  new 
stained  glass  windows  were  introduced.  There  are  gal- 
leries on  three  sides,  with  an  organ  on  the  northern  gal- 
lery. A  life-size  painting  representing  Christ  is  on  the 
wall  in  the  rear  of  the  pulpit. 

In  1854  a  new  cemetery  was  laid  out,  and  extensive 
sheds  were  erected  for  the  protection  of  horses. 

We  are  unable  to  state  who  were  the  early  Reformed 
pastors.  Rev.  William  Pauli  served  the  people  from 
about  1815  to  his  death  in  1855.  He  was  succeeded  by 
iiis  younger  brother,  Rev.  Augustus  C.  Pauli,  who  labored 
here  until  his  death  in  1871.  The  next  pastor  was  Rev. 
A.  S.  Leinbach,  who  continued  in  office  until  1895,  when 
he  resigned  on  account  of  the  iutirraities  of  age.  Thus 
during  a  period  of  about  eighty  years  the  Reformed  peo- 
ple of  Alsace  were  served  by  only  three  pastors.  After  a 
vacancy  of  considerable  length  Rev.  John  A.  Danuer  was 
elected  pastor  and  installed  on  June  20,  1897,  and  served 
until  January  12,  1904,  when  he  resigned.  The  next 
l)astor  was  Rev.  T.  M.  Yundt,  former  superintendent  of 
Bethany  Orphans'  Home,  who  was  installed  on   Sunday, 


ALSACE    CHURCH.  453 

July  31,  1904.  Just  one  year  later,  on  July  31,  1905,  he 
presented  his  resignation,  and  accepted  the  call  to  the 
general  superintendency  of  the  home  missiou^work  of  the 
Reformed  Church.  His  resignation  was  reluctantly  ac- 
cepted, and  went  into  effect  on  October  1,  1905.  Mr. 
Yundt  served  the  congregation  very  acceptably  one  year 
and  three  months.  Xo  successor  had  been  elected  when 
this  volume  was  printed  (August,  1905). 

The  following  ministers  served  the  Lutheran  congre- 
gation, either  as  supplies  or  regular  pastors  :  Revs.  Strei- 
ter,  Tobias  Wagner,  J.  F.  Schaertlein,  H.  G.  B.  Word- 
man,  Daniel  Schumacher,  H.  M.  Muhlenberg,  Mr.  Bruu- 
holz,  John  C.  Hartwig,  Bernhard  M.  Hausihl,  John  A. 
Krug,  Peter  F.  Niemeyer,  Philip  J.  Gratz,  Henry  Moel- 
ler,  F.  M.  Muhlenberg,  Daniel  Lehman,  Chas.  F.  Wild- 
bahn,  Adam  M.  Mareard,  Daniel  Lehman,  William  H. 
Scriba,  H.  A.  Muhlenberg,  Jacob  Miller,  F.  A.  M.  Kel- 
ler, R.  L.  Wagner,  T.  T.  Laeger,  J.  F.  Wicklein,  F.  K. 
Huntzinger  and  C.  E.  Kistler,  present  pastor. 

In  the  year  1905  each  of  the  congregations  (Reformed 
and  Lutheran)  numbered  about  700  members.  The  union 
Sunday  school  had  a  membership  of  456.  D.  D.  Becker, 
esq.,  is  the  superintendent  of  the  school. 

Each  of  the  congregations  has  a  Ladies'  Aid  Society. 
In  the  Reformed  congregation  there  is  a  Christian  En- 
deavor Society  and  in  the  Lutheran  congregation  a  Luther 
League. 

In  1905  the  consistory  consisted  of  these  otHcers  : 

Rpfonned. — Elders,  David  R.  Shearer,  Milton  Sailor ; 
deacons,  Franklin  G.  Phillips,  Alvin  Gauby,  Wm.  Lein- 
bach. 


454 


HISTORY   OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 


Lutheran. — Elders,  Howard  E.  Ahrens,  Garson  INI. 
Huyett ;  deacons,  Frederick  Leas,  Paul  Leas,  Jacob  L. 
Wertz. 

Secretary,  Garson  M.  Huyett ;  treasurer,   Franklin  G. 
Phillips. 

Rev.  T.  M.  Yundt,  the  last  Reformed  pastor,  was  born 
near  Allentown,  Pa.,  on  February  10,  1858,  as  the  son 

of  Thomas  and  Eliza 
Yundt.  He  received 
his  preparatory  edu- 
cation in  the  public 
schools.  West  Chester 
Xormal  School,  and 
Academy  of  Muhlen- 
berg College.  He«n- 
tired  Muhleuberg'Col- 
Icge  in  1878  and  grad- 
uated from  it  in  1882. 
He  pursued  his  theo- 
logical studies  in  Yale 
Divinity  School,  New 
Haven,  from  which  he 
graduated  in  1885. 
He  was  examined  and 
licensed  to  preach  by 
Lehigh  Classis  in  the  spring  of  1885.  In  the  fall  of  that 
year  he  commenced  work  as  pastor  of  a  mission  church  in 
Kansas  City.  Soon  after  he  was  called  to  the  superin- 
leDcy  of  Bethany  Orphans'  Home,  and  entered  ujwn  the 
duties  of  that  position  in  the  spring  of  LS8G.  He  con- 
tinued in  this  responsible  position  until    August   1,  1904, 


Rev.  T.  M.  Yundt. 


ALSACE    CHURCH. 


455 


a  period  of  eighteen  years  and  four  months.  During  his 
term  of  office  the  work  of  the  Home  prospered  as  never 
before. 

Mr.  Yundt  was  married  in  1885  to  Minerva  A  Koons, 
of  Allentowu.  Five  children  were  born  to  them,  four  of 
whom  are  living. 

Rev,  Charles  E.  Kistler,  the  present  Lutheran  pastor, 
was  born  in  Kistler's 
A^alley,  Lehigh  county, 
Pa.,  on  Aug.  23,1870, 
as  the  son  of  Wm.  S. 
and  Maria  (Grim)  Kist- 
ler.  He  is  one  of  the 
many  descendants  of 
George  Kistler,  wlio 
came  to  America  about 
the  middle  of  the  eigh- 
teenth century  and  lo- 
cated in  Kistler's  Val- 
ley. He  took  a  full 
collegiate  course  in 
Muhlenberg  College, 
graduating  in  1895, 
and  pursued  his  theo- 
logical   studies    in  the 

Lutheran  Seminary  at  Philadelphia,  from  which  he  grad- 
uated in  1898.  He  was  ordained  by  the  Lutheran  Min- 
isterium  of  Pennsylvania  on  Jinie  6,  1898.  Before  he 
had  completed  his  studies  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate 
of  Alsace  charge,  consisting  of  the  Alsace  and  Blandon 
congregations,  and  commenced  to  work  here  on  March  13, 


Rev.  Charles  E.  Kisller. 


456  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

1898.  He  was  installed  on  July  17  following.  Rev.  Mr. 
Kistler  was  married  to  Miss  Effie  Fisher,  of  Reading, 
Pa.,  on  August  23,  1899.  He  resides  at  No.  344  North 
Ninth  street,  Reading,  Pa. 

Both  the  Reformed  and  Lutheran  congregations  of  Al- 
sace have  flourished  under  their  present  pastors.  Each 
congregation  now  contributes  about  four  times  as  much 
for  pastor's  salary  as  ten  years  ago. 


APPENDIX. 


CHRIST  REFORMED  CHURCH. 

During  a  Dumber  of  years  there  was  a  sincere  desin^ 
on  the  part  of  a  considerable  number  of  persons  for  an 
exclusively  German  Keformed  congregation  in  Reading. 
From  the  nature  of  circumstances  the  German  language 
in  the  old  mother  church  was  on  the  wane.  There  was 
one  German  service  each  Sunday,  and  it  was  only  a  ques- 
tion of  time  when  the  German  would  cease  entirely.  (This 
occurred  in  1891.)  Under  tliese  circumstances  the  Re- 
formed Church  in  Reading  could  hardly  hold  what  for- 
eign German  members  it  had,  and  could  not  expect  to  at- 
tract any  of  those  who  were  coming  here.  It  was  believed 
that  a  German  congregation  could  be  established  under 
the  leadership  of  a  foreign-born  pastor.  The  foremost 
leader  of  this  movement  was  Dr.  B.  Bausmau. 

In  the  spring  of  1873  the  pastors  of  the  four  Re- 
formed congregations  of  Reading — Revs.  C.  F.  McCauley, 
D.  D.,  B,  Bausmau,  D.  D.,  Henry  Mosser,  D.  D.,  and 
James  A.  Schultz — requested  Lebanon  Classis  to  organize 
a  German  church  in  Reading.  The  Classis  gave  its  as- 
sent and  aj)pointed  a  committee  to  take  the  matter  in 
hand,  consisting  of  Rev.  Drs.  B.  Bausmau,  C.  F.  Mc- 
Cauley, H.  Mosser,  and  elders  James  T.  Reber  and  Amos 
B.  Wanner.  This  committee  soon  after  called  Rev.  Ju- 
lius Fiindeliug,  of  Titusville,  Pa.,  to  the  work.  He  was 
30 


458  HISTORY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH, 

to  preach  in  the  chapel  of  Emanuers  Sunday  school  ou 
Xorth  Tenth  street,  near  Walnut.  This  chapel  had  been 
erected  six  years  before,  and  was  used  by  that  school  and 
also  by  a  German  Sunday  school  which  was  superintended 
by  Mr.  Martin  Goodhart.  There  was  thus  already  a  nu- 
cleus for  the  undertaking.  The  chapel  with  ground  had 
cost  about  $3000.  It  was  under  the  care  of  the  Reformed 
Sunday  School  Association,  and  was  handed  over  free  of 
debt  to  the  German  congregation  after  organization. 

Rev.  Mr.  Fiindeling  held  the  first  service  in  this 
chapel  on  September  7,  1873.  He  was  warmly  welcomed 
to  Reading  by  many  who  were  eager  for  a  German  church. 
In  October  about  150  persons  from  the  several  Reformed 
congregations  visited  the  new  pastor,  and  brought  him 
many  provisions.  He  was  installed  as  pastor  on  Novem- 
ber 2,  187-^,  by  Drs.  Bausman  and  McCauley.  In  the 
evening  of  the  same  day  Mr.  Fiindeling  ordained  and  in- 
stalled the  elders  and  deacons  of  the  congregation  which 
had  been  organized  in  September  under  the  name  of  Christ 
Reformed  Church. 

A  start  had  now  been  made,  and  all  were  hopeful. 
The  First  church  Sunday  school  presented  the  new  Christ 
church  with  an  organ,  and  the  infant  flock  received  other 
substantial  encouragement. 

The  pastor  and  some  of  the  members  believed  a  pa- 
rochial school  to  be  imperatively  necessary  to  the  build- 
ing up  of  a  German  church.  The  basis  for  this  view  was 
no  doubt  the  fact  that  numerous  German  congregations  in 
the  Reformed  and  Lutheran  denominations  were  main- 
taining such  schools.  And  no  time  was  lost  to  establish 
a  parochial  school.     But  such  an  enterprise  requires  con- 


CHRIST   CHUECH.         .  459 

siclerable  money.  The  pastor  was  authorized  to  collect 
money  for  l)oth  the  church  and  the  school. 

The  chapel  was  not  well  calculated  for  such  a  school, 
and  a  movement  was  started  for  the  erection  of  a  school 
house  in  front  of  the  chapel,  which  stood  back  from  the 
buildiufy  line  a  considerable  distance.  In  1874  a  two- 
story  brick  school  building  was  erected  at  this  place. 
The  corner-stone  was  laid  early  in  June.  Addresses  were 
delivered  by  Revs.  Fiindeling,  Mosser  and  Bausman. 
During  the  progress  of  the  work  Rev.  Mr.  Fiindeling  and 
his  wife  made  a  short  trip  to  Europe  to  visit  friends.  The 
chapel  was  extended  in  the  rear  fifteen  feet,  making  it 
75  feet  in  length.  It  was  neatly  papered  and  painted. 
It  presented  a  beautiful  appearance,  and  was  reopened  on 
August  23,  1874.  Rev.  H.  Mosser,  D.  D.,  preached  the 
sermon,  and  a  number  of  other  ministers  were  present. 

The  school  was  now  conducted  in  the  new  building, 
but  the  hopes  of  its  friends  were  not  realized.  A  consid- 
erable debt  had  been  created,  and  the  management  of  the 
whole  affair  was  not  of  the  highest  order.  It  is  possible 
that  in  the  course  of  time  the  parochial  school  would  have 
been  a  feeder  for  the  congregation,  but  tlie  financial  bur- 
den was  too  great  for  the  small  flock. 

On  Xovember  1,  1874,  the  first  anniversary  of  Christ 
church  was  celebrated.  The  membership  now'  was  about 
one  hundred. 

On  July  9,  1875,  the  pastor's  family  was  sorely  be- 
reaved by  the  death  of  his  wife,  at  the  age  of  32  years,  2 
months  and  16  days.  She  left  her  husband  M'ith  five 
children,  the  youngest  being  a  babe  of  two  weeks.  She 
was  buried    on  the  lot  of  the   First   church    in    Charles 


460  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

Evaus'  cemetery.  In  the  same  mouth  (July)  Rev.  Mr. 
Fiindeling  resigned  as  pastor  and  accepted  a  call  to  Hazle- 
tou,  Pa.  He  afterward  removed  to  San  Francisco,  where 
he  is  still  located,  although  no  longer  connected  with  the 
Reformed  Church. 

After  a  short  vacancy  the  congregation  called  Rev. 
R.  Kuuz,  of  Pottsville,  to  the  pastorate.  He  accepted 
and  was  installed  on  October  3,  1875,  by  a  committee  of 
Lebanon  Classis,  consisting  of  Revs.  A.  S.  Leiubach,  M. 
L.  Fritch  and  F.  W.  Dechaut.  But  he  did  not  continue 
long  in  the  work.  It  was  evident  that  a  crisis  was  at 
hand.  There  was  a  heavy  debt,  besides  many  unpaid 
bills.  Confidence  in  the  success  of  the  umlertaking  was 
largely  gone,  and  the  prospects  were  no  louger  promising. 
Under  these  circumstances  Rev.  Mr.  Kunz  resiorned,  and 
soon  after  returned  to  Switzerland,  his  native  country, 
where  he  died  not  long  after. 

The  Reformed  pastors  of  the  city  appointed  a  commit- 
tee of  several  laymen  to  look  into  the  financial  affairs  of 
Christ  church.  It  was  found  that  the  obligations  were  so 
large  that  for  some  time  no  one  could  be  found  who  would 
take  the  property  and  pay  the  del)ts.  Finally  one  of  the 
committee  agreed  to  take  charge  of  the  matter  and  settle 
up  the  affairs.  But  he  found  it  a  far  more  difficult  un- 
dertaking than  he  had  anticipated.  The  property  could 
not  be  sold  at  once,  and  the  unsecuged  creditors  were  clam- 
oring for  their  money.  The  party  acting  as  trustee  iiad 
the  property  changed  into  two  dwelling  houses,  and  rented 
these  until  several  years  after,  when  he  sold  them.  Mcau- 
while  he  paid  the  debts.  The  transaction  cost  him  a  great 
deal  of  time  and  a  considerable  amount  of  money.     The 


MISSION   SCHOOLS.  461 

cougregatiou  disbanded.  Some  of  the  members  subse- 
(i[iieutly  became  active  in  the  organization  of  Zion's  Re- 
formed church. 

Thus  the  fir-t  effort  for  a  German  congregation  ended 
in  faihire.  But  the  advocates  of  such  a  congregation  were 
not  dismayed.  At  a  later  period  a  new  eifort  was  made 
in  the  same  direction,  and  the  result  was  a  glorious  suc- 
cess. "All  is  well  that  ends  well."  The  idea  of  a  paro- 
chial school  was  dropped  as  impracticable.  Had  this  idea 
never  been  entertained,  the  first  effort  for  a  German  con- 
gregation would  likely  have  led  to  more  favorable  results. 


MISSION  SUNDAY  SCHOOLS. 

Since  the  year  1864  the  following  Reformed  Sunday 
schools  were  established,  which  later  were  developed  into 
congregations  :  St.  John's,  Emanuel's  (now  St.  Stephen's), 
St.  Paul's  (now  Faith),  Calvary,  St.  Andrew's,  St.  Mark's, 
Trinity,  St.  James',  and  St.  Thomas'.  Besides  these  two 
other  schools  were  organized  and  continued  for  some  time, 
without  resulting  in  congregations  : 

St.  Luke's  School.   . 

During  a  number  of  years  a  mission  school  was  con- 
ducted in  the  public  school  house  on  Washington  street, 
corner  of  Rose  street.  We  are  unable  to  state  tiie  date  of 
its  organization,  but  it  must  have  been  about  the  year 
1866.  The  first  superintendent  appears  to  have  been  the 
late  ex-judge  4.  S.  Sassaman,  who  was  assisted  by  George 
M.  Ermentrout,  esq.,  as  leader  of  singing,  etc.  The  late 
Dr.  Joseph  Coblentz  was  for  some  time  superintendent. 


462  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

He  was  succeeded  by  W.  R.  Yeicli.  Daniel  Miller  was 
elected  superintendent  on  January  1,  1871,  and  continued 
in  this  position  until  the  fall  of  the  year  1879,  when  the 
school  was  discontinued.  The  last  session  was  held  on 
October  19.  A  large  proportion  of  the  scholars  were  the 
children  of  members  of  the  First  church  residing  in  the 
western  section  of  the  city.  The  First  church  school  was 
overcrowded,  and  this  fact  was  one  of  the  reasons  for  or- 
ganizing St.  Luke's.  After  the  organization  of  St.  Paul's 
school  in  1873  there  was  plenty  of  room  in  the  First 
school,  and  many  of  tiie  children  hitherto  attending  St. 
Luke's  school  were  now  sent  to  the  First  school.  Grad- 
ually the  number  of  scholars  became  so  small  that  it  was 
thought  best  to  discontinue  St.  Luke's  school.  Among 
those  active  in  this  school  were  Harrison  G.  Bouse,  Isaac 
From,  Mrs.  Mary  R.  Hain  and  Mrs.  Leonora  A.  Boys, 
all  deceased,  and  Mrs.  B.  Bausman,  Mrs.  M.  J.  Earl,  T. 
D.  Bausher,  Mrs.  Franklin  J.  Brown,  Miss  Anna  Ruth, 
Mrs.  W.  AV.  Bowers,  and  others  still  living. 

Twelfth  Street  School. 

Another  mission  school  was  organized  and  for  some 
time  conducted  in  the  public  school  house  on  South 
Twelfth  street.  The  superintendent  was  Mr.  William  K. 
Good,  brother  of  Dr.  James  I.  Good,  who  served  from  its 
organization  until  its  consolidation  with  St.  John's  Sun- 
day school  at  Ninth  and  Chestnut  streets.  This  union 
took  place  on  Sunday,  January  7,  1877,  the  Sunday  after 
the  opening  of  the  basement  of  the  new  church. 


ADDENDA    TO    SECOND    CHURCH.  463 

ADDENDA  TO  SECOND  REFORMED  CHURCH. 
The  Ladies'  Aid  Society. 

It  cau  be  said  very  truly  that  of  all  the  organizations 
in  the  Second  Reformed  church  the  one  bearing  the  above 
name  stands  pre-eminent  for  the  amount  of  work  done  to 
advance  the  interests  of  the  kingdom.  From  the  begin- 
ning of  its  history  this  society  has  been,  as  its  name  indi- 
cates, a  real  aid  to  the  congregation.  Year  by  year  it  has 
contributed  to  the  current  expenses  of  the  congregation. 
During  the  present  pastorate  it  has  been  especially  help- 
ful in  working  for  the  erection  of  the  new  church  and  for 
the  liquidation  of  the  indebtedness  incurred.  The  amount 
given  for  this  specific  purpose  exceeds  three  thousand  dol- 
lars ($3000). 

Not  alone  to  the  Second  church  has  this  society  been  a 
blessing.  Its  good  work  has  not  been  thus  limited.  The 
Home  for  Widows  and  Single  Women  in  Reading,  the 
Home  for  Friendless  Children,  the  hospitals  and  other 
charitable  institutions  of  our  city  have  received  from  this 
society  generous  support. 

Its  benefactions  have  extended  beyond  the  boundaries 
of  the  city  of  Reading.  Each  winter  for  many  years  the 
members  have  been  engaged  in  making  garments  for  the 
children  of  Bethany  Orphans'  Home  at  Womelsdorf.  The 
Society  for  the  Relief  of  Ministers  and  their  Widows  of 
the  Reformed  Church  receives  from  this  aid  society  an 
annual  contribution.  In  fact  throughout  its  entire  history 
this  organization  has  not  only  helped  the  Second  church, 
but  has  contributed  to  the  support  of  the  general  work  of 
the  denomination,  as  well  as  to  the  undenominational  be- 
nevolent agencies  of  the  city. 


464  HISTORY   OF   REFORMED   CHURCH. 

At  the  present  time  the  officers  are  :  President,  Mrs. 
Emma  Andrews;  vice  president,  Mrs.  Frank  Hanold ; 
secretary,  Mrs.  J.  C.  J.  Kurtz;  assistant  secretary,  Mrs. 
Edward  F.  Wink;  treasurer,  Mrs.  Jacob  H.  Stein. 

The  Missionary  Sociey. 

In  October,  1 893,  the  missionary  society  of  the  Second 
church  was  reorganized.  Mrs.  S.  R.  Bridenbangh  was 
elected  president,  and  has  continued  to  hold  the  office  to 
the  present  time.  Miss  Blanche  Maguire  was  elected  sec- 
retary, and  Miss  Lucy  Kurtz  treasurer.  So  efficiently 
have  all  the  officers  discharged  their  duties  that  they  have 
been  re-elected  from  year  to  year,  and  are  at  this  time  ac- 
tive in  the  work. 

This  society  has  rendered  excellent  service.  By  its 
monthly  meetings  and  by  the  distribution  of  literature  it 
has  quickened  and  fostered  a- missionary  spirit  in  the  mem- 
bership of  the  congregation.  Its  offerings  have  been  given 
in  part  to  the  Women's  Classical  Society,  and  directly  to 
special  benevolent  objects  for  the  furtherance  of  the  cause 
of  missions  in  both  the  home  and  foreign  field.  None  of 
its  funds  have  ever  been  used  for  tlie  payment  of  Classical 
apportionment  of  the  congregation.  For  more  than  25 
years  the  Second  church  has  employed  the  Scriptural, 
apostolical  plan  of  benevolence,  whereby  all  offerings  on 
the  Lord's  day  and  at  other  services  during  the  week  are 
given  to  benevolent  purposes.  Thus,  in  a  sense,  the  en- 
tire congregation  is  a  missionary  society,  contributing 
regularly  to  the  extension  of  the  Kedeemer's  kingdom. 


.    REFORMED    MINISTERS.  465 

REFORMED  MINISTERS  RESIDING  IN  READING. 

As  a  matter  of  interest,  both  for  the  present  and  fu- 
ture generations,  we  herewith  publish  a  list  of  all  Re- 
formed ministers  residing  in  the  city  of  Reading  at  the 
present  time  (summer  of  1905) : 

B.  Bausmau,  D.  D.,  pastor  St.  Paul's  church,  222  N. 
Sixth  street. 

S.  R.  Bridenbaugh,  D.  D.,  pastor  Second  church,  228 
South  Sixth  street. 

■  H.  K.  Binkley,  agent  Reformed  Church  Record,  1024 
North  Twelfth  street. 

C.  E,  Creitz,  assistant  pastor  St.  Paul's  church,  532 
Button  wood  street. 

L.  K.  Derr,  D.  D.,  pastor  Ziou's  church,  822  Wash- 
ington street. 

Paul  I.  Deppen,  engaged  in  secular  employment,  1015 
North  Fifth  street. 

T.  W.  Dickert,  pastor  St.  Stephen's  church,  765  North 
Eleventh  street. 

J.  V.  George,  D.  D.,  pastor  Allegheny  country  charge, 
228  South  Third  street. 

James  I.  Good,  D.  D.,  pastor  Calvary  church,  221 
North  Sixth  street 

C.  H.  Gramm,  assistant  pastor  Zion's  church,  828 
Washington  street. 

I.  E.  Graeff,  D.  D.,  retired,  135  South  Eighth  street. 

W.  E.  Harr,  pastor  Faith  and  St.  James'  churches, 
152  Walnut  street. 

M.  L.  Herbein,  pastor  Trinity  church,  1818  Perkio- 
men  avenue. 
31 


466  HISTORY    OF    REFORMED    CHURCH. 

W.  J.  Kerslmer,  pastor  Sinking  Spring  country  charge, 
115  South  Third  street. 

J.  C.  J.  Kurtz,  reti-ed,  440  Oley  street. 

J.  H.  Leeser,  without  charge,  912  Peun  street. 

T.  H.  Leinbach,  pastor  St.  John's  church,  911  Chest- 
nut street. 

H.  Jerome  Leinbach,  pastor  Olivet  church,  410  Wal- 
nut street. 

Samuel  A.  Leinbach,  pastor  St.  Michael's  country 
charge,  326  North  Fifth  street. 

M.  H.  Mishler,  pastor  Hill  country  charge,  534  Frank- 
lin street. 

John  F.  Moyer,  pastor  First  church,  611  Washington 
street. 

H.  H.  Rauck,  pastor  St.  Andrew's  church,  1431  Per- 
kiomen  avenue. 

Charles  E.  Schaeffer,  pastor  St.  Mark's  church,  201 
West  Oley  street. 

John  P.  Stein,  D.  D.,  pastor  St.  Thomas'  church,  851 
North  Eleventh  street. 

Plenry  Y.  Stoner,  engaged  in  teaching,  AVyomissing. 

T.  M.  Yundt,  general  superintendent  of  home  mis- 
sions, 210  Windsor  street. 

Number  of  Reformed  ministers  in  Heading,  26. 


REFORMED    MEMBERSHIP.  467 

REFORMED  MEMBERSHIP  IN  READING. 

The  combined  membership  of  the  Hfteeu  Reformed 
couo;reo;ations  in  Rcadiuo;  in  1905  was  8814.  The  mem- 
bcrship  of  the  Snuday  schools  was  9498.  Below  we  give 
the  membership  of  the  several  congregations  and  schools  : 

Congregation.     Sunday  School. 

First, 1179  1330 

Second, 761  460 

St.  John's, 543  490 

St.  Paul's, 847  711 

Zion's, 590  535 

St.  Stephen's, 1020  1150 

St.  Thomas', 392  578 

Olivet, 97  148 

Calvary, 440  665 

St.  Andrew's, 821  1078 

St.  Mark's, 983  1142 

Faith, 165  290 

St.  James', 186  315 

Trinity, 90  150 

Alsace, 700  456 

Besides  these  there  are  many  hundreds  of  Reformed 
people  in  the  city  who  are  holding  to  churches  in  the 
country. 

The  Sunday  school  membership  is  apparently  larger 
than  the  church  membership,  but  it  must  be  remembered 
that  many  church  members  are  included  in  the  home  de- 
partments of  the  Sunday  schools. 


468  HISTOEY   OF    REFORMED   CHURCH. 

REFORMED  MINISTERIAL  ASSOCIATION. 

This  association  consists  of  the  pastors  of  the  several 
Reformed  churches  in  Reading.  The  meetings  are  held 
on  Monday  mornings  in  the  chapel  of  St.  Paul's  church. 
The  object  is  mutual  helpfulness  and  co-operation  in 
church  work.  Occasionally  papers  are  read  and  discussed. 
In  1905  the  president  was  Rev.  B.  Bausman,  D.  D. 


REFORMED  S.  S.  SUPERINTENDENTS'  ASSOCIATION. 

This  organization  was  formed  on  March  G,  1903.  It 
includes  the  superintendents  and  assistant  superintendents 
of  all  departments  of  the  several  Reformed  Sunday  schools 
in  Reading.  Monthly  meetings  are  held,  and  various 
subjects  connected  with  Sunday  school  work  are  discussed. 
The  officers  in  1905  were  :  President,  Dr.W.  D.  DeLong  ; 
secretary  and  treasurer,  Miss  Martha  E.  Homan. 


ERRATA. 

Notwithstanding  our  best  eftbrts,  several  typographi- 
cal errors  have  crept  into  this  volume,  and  we  here  correct 
them  : 

Page  21^.6. — Rev.  R.  W.  Miller  served  the  Hummels- 
town  charge  until  December  31,  1893,  not  1903. 

Fayes  oJO  and  olf-Jf. — The  first  service  of  Zion's  con- 
gregation was  held  on  the  last  (not  first)  Sunday  in  May, 
1881. 

Page.  o-ii. — Mr.  Daniel  Barlet  was  employed  by  the 
Reading  Cotton  Mill,  not  by  the  railroad  company. 


A 

DATE  DUE 

Sr.^    .      .. 

"^ 

^ 

GAYLORO 

PRINTED  IN  U.S.A. 

i>'^m>'i^^^gjs^-j$.<g;^".v:ii,x\>v;.^^^^ 


